And the Winners Are.....

The winner in the youth division was Elijah Klock with his rendition of a dragonfly with chainsaw wings.

First prize in the adult division went to: Elli Groniger
Second prize went to: Dorothy Durrenberger
Third prize went to: Manya Goldstein

Student comments about residency

"Before, I didn't really like using watercolors because it was difficult for me. Ms. Murphy taught me brush strokes and color blending to make it easier. I actually like how my painting is turning out so far."

"likes to do animal and nature pieces and interesting to find out their spiritual meanings."

..." Ms. Murphy allowed us to be free with what we wanted for our projects, yet helped us with it along the way...."

" I LOVED the program. My favorite thing was the free range in the medium.....Ms. Murphy gave us plenty of tips, but never forced her ideas on my project. She was very encouraging and creative."

" She helped me take my painting to another level...."

" I enjoyed thinking and learning about symbolism. It was my favorite because I really didn't know about it."

Back in West Palm Beach

We had a wonderful time for the three days we spent on Pine Island in the community of Matlacha! What could be more entertaining than to watch dolphins and manatees swim by the dock both morning and evening. Kelly fished avidly and we laughed at the size of the baby fish she kept hauling out of the water.

I did very well at Julia's Arts and happily sold a half dozen pieces and will be making more pieces to send to her when I get back in PA....watch for more photos coming to the site!

Attention Floridians! Don't miss it!

Come join me at Julia's Arts in Matlacha, Florida! I will be there Friday the 13th and Saturday the 14th! Come and have a great time! Be sure to introduce yourself, I love meeting fellow artists and art lovers!

Here are the details....

Florida's Creative Coast Weekend

Friday, February 13th, 2009

"Aqueous Transmissions"
Opening Reception: 2 pm to 9 pm

Saturday, February 14th, 2009

Second Annual "Pine Island Plein-Air"
at Julia's Arts
Artists Demonstrations - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Come Show Your "Love" of Art !

Sunday, February 15th, 2009
11:00 am to 4:00 pm

Just turned 44 and my first time blogging

It is the coldest night so far of this year at negative 10 degrees. I have been working on a watercolor and spent most of the day getting pieces ready for my Florida Show at Julia's Arts. Currently, I am also in a residency at Altoona After School Arts where VOILA....I am teaching 23 high school students the art of watercolor! It was so cold and windy today that I did not make the trek to Altoona and will simply add another day for the residency before I leave for Florida.

My goal in Florida is to work out some ideas for my dog book affectionately called "Paws". Other art ideas in the works include some figure pieces in clay that are both decorative and functional. For right now though, I will just concentrate on Martha's Manic Mermaids made from Metal! I will post some images of them here a little later after I get their last finish coat sprayed.

Thanks for visiting the blog....I will work on posting something as often as I can.