ANNUAL FRIENDS AND FAMILY GREETING CARD DESIGN UPDATE

Hi guys... here is a play by play update for the Loren's Annual Friends and Family Greeting Card Design 2013. Well, the new design was completed on paper and then scanned into the computer to be tweaked some, a couple days ago. I had to make changes from my original idea because it would not fit in the envelope! ARRGGHH!!  I had to spend quite a bit of time making prototypes and moving things around.  Finally, I was satisfied that it was done and I took the new card design to the printer yesterday. Joe, my printer guy, printed them up really nice for me.  They came out
great.
Holy cow...I spent all afternoon and evening yesterday cutting the printed design out of card stock.  After I finished the cutting my hands were killing me.  (I think I have arthritis) The living room was filled with tiny papers and card stock everywhere. UGGHH!! Nevertheless, I managed to get them all done before getting blisters.  After cutting them, I had to put 3 colors of glitter glue on each one.  This took a couple of hours, as well. So, at the end of the evening, I had greeting cards laid out flat and drying everywhere I could find in the living room.  I realized that I still had two more steps to go before I could start writing them out!
Today I spent 2 hours cutting shapes out of the design with an exacto knife.  I now unfortunately, have a blister on my finger!  I thought I was going to stress out over the cutting with the knife because it just seemed like it would never end.  Ultimately, I got the cutting completed and now knew I still had to score the design in two places to fold them.  More hand work.  And I need to write each one out and write out the envelopes.
I thought about abandoning the card altogether, however I had done so much work already, I couldn't give up now. So I stuck with it and now I am almost done and coming down the home stretch.  I anticipate getting them completed over the weekend and mailed out by Monday.  Wheeww... I hope I have enough time to mail them so they will arrive by Christmas Day?
So, this is the update for the new design and I am including a peek-a-boo photo, so you can just get a glimpse of the design.
Stay tuned for the design to be revealed next week. I hope you will think it is something special?  My fingers are crossed.
Cheers,
Loren

FIRST FRIDAY IN PHILADELPHIA, MY FRIEND DONNA & TWO NEW PAINTINGS

JOYFUL AND BLISS
OIL ON CANVAS 18x24
(c) Loren Fidalgo 2009

I want to tell you about the awesome time I had last night.  I went with my friend Donna to First Friday in Olde City, Philadelphia, PA.  First Friday is an event where galleries and artists will stay out until dark on the first Friday of each month.  Lots of people come from all over to attend this event to view and purchase great artwork.  Although the galleries stay open late, sometimes it is the artists that are are exhibiting on the sidewalk with their art and crafts, that are the most interesting.  The selection of art last night was exceptionally great and my friend Donna and I met some really unique artists.  We met one guy who was exhibiting mixed media paintings and somewhat of a collage technique  (when I get approval, I will try to post some images of his and a link to his website).

This artist does his mixed media work on masonite and canvas and then seals them in resin to capture the delightful fantasy design.  He was so gracious to talk with Donna and I about his work and his studio as well as offering some insight into how he creates his work.  He also let us in on a tiny secret about how and where he gets his prints made. So cool of him! He lives close to the Jersey Shore, about 20 minutes from my home town. So, we immediately shared a connection.  Beach people love other beach people.   His studio and gallery are in the same town as my niece, so when I am down that way I am going to stop in to see his studio with my niece or brother.  (he had some totally creative art pieces and I'd love to share them with you, when he says "go".

Donna and I enjoyed ourselves so much and I have to express how INSPIRED and MOTIVATED I felt.  I was motivated before, but this event pushed it up to the next level.  Viewing all the ranges of art in the galleries and on the sidewalk was such a creative boost for both of us.  I realized that I need to go out to these events more and let inspiration tap into all the art that's out there for me to absorb.

My friend Donna and I had our first night out as firends since we met in watercolor class three years ago.  We became instant friends and it's funny because we look alike and are about the same height.  We've taken some painting classes after watercolor class and we really have a great time in class.  We've both been saying that we want to get together out of class and attend First Friday and also, go out and paint some landscapes. So, we finally hooked up and had a fun time.

If you are an artist and live near Philadelphia, stop by First Frtiday, especially when the weather is nice. You will be inspired and excited about getting up your easel or desk and start painting.

THE FLUTE PLAYER
OIL ON CANVAS 20 x24
(c) Loren Fidalgo 2009

This is one of my favorite oil paintings I've done since I started painting.  I hope you enjoy it too?  Keep checking back for more of my paintings.