Up Up & Away! Free Cards Friday

The climbing of the swing paired with the soaring pull a beautifully created child
has on his mother's heart.

Up Up & Away
July 2010

16x16", $325
acrylic on canvas

It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on THIS blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.

Have a great weekend,

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Gentle Mama ~ this week's original 10x10 painting release

Gentle Mama is this week's new painting for The Forty Minis Collection!

Gentle Mama
Acrylic on Canvas
10x10", $120
#34 of 40 10x10s

released July 29, 2010 (happy birthday to my daddy)

You can grab Gentle Mama in the Online Etsy shop while it lasts!

Message from the Artist:
This title Gentle Mama is inspired by an email address (believe it or not) - but has been a silent mantra for me over the last couple weeks. Gentle Mama... what could be more important to remember?

A few days ago I was sitting on a bench in Port Angeles, my 4 1/2 year old sweet boy sound asleep on my chest, his gorgeous chubby arms laying across me, his sweet little sleeping eyelids... I can't number the amount of people who commented on him/us, all the while I was consciously bathing in the idea of being a Gentle Mama (and feeling so thankful for his body and his sleep).

Let me know if you have any questions ~ Have a Wonderful Day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Seven Available 10x10 Paintings - Tomorrow brings #34 in the Collection: Gentle Mama

Happy Wednesday! I was just noticing that there are 7 Available 10x10 Paintings ~ each one special in its own way ~ infused with the meaning of the moments it was created in. I wanted to make sure they were not forgotten.

Day Dream

Time Well Spent

Giving Life




Tomorrow will bring #34 of 40 10x10 paintings in The Forty Minis Collection. It is titled Gentle Mama and is inspired by an email address (believe it or not) - but has been a silent mantra for me over the last couple weeks. Gentle Mama... what could be more important to remember?




One To One




Peace Within




A few days ago I was sitting on a bench in Port Angeles, my 4 1/2 year old sweet boy sound asleep on my chest, his gorgeous chubby arms laying across me, his sweet little sleeping eyelids... I can't number the amount of people who commented on him/us, all the while I was consciously bathing in the idea of being a Gentle Mama (and feeling so thankful for his body and his sleep).




Bringing Forth



Early Rise




Tomorrow's 10x10 is titled Gentle Mama and features a mama on a bench, her sleeping child against her chest.



In the meantime, while you wait for that one to appear, I thought I'd re-light these available paintings ~ You can grab 'em in the Online Etsy shop.


Let me know if you have any questions ~ Have a Wonderful Day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Finding Inspiration Through Fabric... Free Cards Winner

Beginning in February I discovered an urge to enjoy fabric and its patterns... but not the typical fabrics that surrounded me on a daily basis...



PHOTO: the new fabric



Those I never even thought twice about (except for really despising the material that my dining room curtains are made out of - they were here when we moved in a year ago and I have never liked the way they looked or felt - or the thought of 11 years worth of other peoples' germs on them...)




While I was in Sweden in February visiting my brother and his wife and their new baby boy, I fell in love with the bright, simple yet imaginative patterns of their cloth. Even digging through scraps and old curtains and towels in the Salvation Army was completely intriguing for me. I couldn't believe how moved I was about their fabrics... it simply wasn't like me!



PHOTO ABOVE: the new fabric in action (tie cords)


My sister-in-law, Charlotte, had created some gorgeous statement-making black and white curtains that hung across their living room, and something about the atmosphere they created had me hooked. I began my search for curtains for my bedroom, while in Sweden.

NOTE: I am NOT a shopper... see earlier posts regarding my anti-clutter and anti-shopping tendencies...




When I entered Åhléns City in Stockholm with Charlotte, we walked toward the fabrics and curtains and within seconds I found the fresh and funky pattern that spoke to me ~ my bedroom is my place of meditation and rest and I wanted to give it an extra touch. Being surrounded by the patterns and colors (baby clothes, towels, skirts, table cloths) in Sweden had me romanced.



PHOTO LEFT: the master bedroom curtains


I purchased a curtain panel and some fabric and within a week of my return I had created my two panel window design and several pillow coverings. My boys LOVE sewing with me, and our sessions always include 1/4 "sew for mommy" and 3/4 "sew things for the boys"! They each netted two new stuffed toys in the process.


I absolutely love the way the curtains and pillows reminded me of my visits to Sweden, my brother and Charlotte, not to mention the peace and fresh living inspiration that they provide me on a daily basis.

I KNOW they are JUST curtains! I believe in surrounding ourselves with things that inspire us, and for me it is art.

My dislike for my dining room curtains (and the dirty itchy feeling they give me) and my love for my new Sweden duds led me to IKEA last week where my boys and I looked through panels and fabric. None of the panels spoke to me, but some of the fabric did - thus, even though it increases the workload by a long-shot, I purchased 6 yards of some more beautiful Swedish fabric. It took me four and a half months to get there to look at the fabric, but I am really happy with my choice.

Due to my excitement (and impatience) it is taking me only a couple nights to get the curtains created. Sewing has been invigorating for my soul. Such a nice change of pace.

PHOTO ABOVE: the old dining room curtains



I can't wait to see my dining room complete with its fresh and invigorating new colors. And when my boys wrap themselves in the curtains I will no longer have to go off on my spiel of other people's germs... ! :)


The Free Cards Winner for last week is Kate T! Thank you ALL for playing!


Love & Sincerely, Katie

Commissioned Painting In Process ~ Free Cards Friday!

I'd like to show you a sneak peek at a Commissioned piece I am working on currently, a piece with focus on the melding of two figures together as they cradle their gorgeous babies.

It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on THIS blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.

My family and I have snuck away, so we'll return tomorrow, more relaxed and inspired and ready to hit the ground running!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

New 10x10 Painting ~ It's a Thursday-Morning kind of Wednesday Night!

Peace Within is this week's new painting for The Forty Minis Collection!

You can find Peace Within and/or the remaining available paintings from The Forty Minis Collection in the Online Etsy shop.

A moment of silence brought this composition to my mind, and the urge to call it Within came with. Recently I watched Walk The Line featuring Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash, an incredible movie... Johnny Cash's gospel music further inspired me to complete the title as Peace Within.

I will be sneaking away Thursday morning with my family for several days, so any orders placed in the Online Etsy shop will be shipped on Monday the 26th.

UPCOMING EVENT:

August 6 (430-8pm) & 7 (11-4pm): Camas Live, Camas Washington ~ I will be honored to have a booth with original paintings, 8x10 and 12x12 prints, cards and glass charms ~ Details at http://www.kmberggren.com/

Have a great Weekend! Love & Sincerely, Katie

Oops! ~ Etsy Special Offer ~ Glass Art Charms

Oops! I forgot to do Free Cards Friday last week ~ because we left for vacation on Thursday morning. I'm sorry. I promise to do one this week :)

Wow, there are 891 sales in the Online Etsy shop (as I write this)... THANK YOU!

We must do something fun for the 900th:

Here We Go:

The 900th print to leave the studio from the Online Etsy shop will include a FREE 8x10 PRINT! How's that :) get on over there!

Or if the 900th sale is an original painting - it will include 3 FREE 8x10 PRINTS! (be sure to mention your choices in the comments box of your sale)

Speaking of, in the Online Etsy shop the Glass Art Charms now include black cord ~ the easier to wear right away :)

~~~~~~

"Laughing at our mistakes can lengthen our own life. Laughing at someone else's can shorten it."
Cullen Hightower

"Only those who do nothing at all make no mistakes... but that would be a mistake."
Anonymous

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Listen ~ this week's 10x10 ~ Camas Live Event August 6 & 7

Listen is this weeks's new painting for The Forty Minis Collection!

Inspired by warm tones, skin and the amazing way two loving figures can tuck together. A moment of peace and sanity for the mother, but so much more to the child.

You can find Listen and/or the remaining available paintings from The Forty Minis Collection in the Online Etsy shop.

I will be sneaking away this morning with my family for several days, so any orders placed in the Online Etsy shop will be shipped on Monday the 19th!

UPCOMING EVENT: August 6 & 7: Camas Live, Camas Washington ~ I will be honored to have a booth with original paintings, 8x10 and 12x12 prints, cards and glass charms ~ Details at http://www.kmberggren.com/

Thank you to all who came and shared at the English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair last weekend... it was a great success!





Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday, (comment on tomorrow's post, here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be entered to win some cards! Comment throughout the weekend, I will pick the winner on Monday.

Have a great day,
Love & Sincerely, Katie

English Estate Winery ~ The NEXT Event ~ sneak peek at tomorrow's 10x10

The English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair in Vancouver Washington has already come and gone ~ and I enjoyed my time at this event last weekend. What a great opportunity to get out and meet the people, to talk with those who take the time and pennies to purchase the work.

THE NEXT EVENT:

Friday August 6 (4:30-8p) & Saturday August 7 (11-4p) Camas Live, downtown Camas Washington

I will be honored to have a booth there with original paintings, 8x10 & 12x12 prints, art cards and glass art charms

I was once advised by Marty Rudolph, Art Marketing Coach that outdoor art fairs are a great way to find out who your collector base is - to meet the people who are interested in the work and find out why they are and what it means to them.

I adore talking with people, and this was the easiest time I had talking with those who wanted to support the art - practice practice, I guess, because last weekend I found it comfortable and easy to share myself with my buyers. In the past it has always felt like a bit of a struggle (how much do you say, what do you say, how friendly should you be, should you encourage sales?)

This year I was two things: honest, and myself.

I recently read a note by Dana Layon of Zen Flow Yoga about Being Yourself and it helped me to remember that that is what I am best at being and that is the only way to truly feel comfortable. I encourage you to sign up for Dana's Weekly Om - it is a nice weekly reminder to stay present.

While at the event, I had some time to paint and began working on tomorrow's 10x10 (titled Listen) - inspired by those I talked with, I determined that this new painting would be a simplified color mix of reds, yellows and browns (see the sneak peek below).

I look forward to showing you the completed piece tomorrow. Directly after releasing the painting, my family and I will be heading off for the beach for several days. Much needed and deserved time in the sand awaits. Any purchases in the Online Etsy Shop will be shipped the following Monday ~

I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday ~ do you find yourself trying to be someone other than yourself? For what reason, and does it accomplish what you hope?

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Free Cards Winner ~ Flower Jewelry

A week ago, at the park, my four year old had an idea that inspired and excited him ~ jewelry made from flowers!

So, we spent a wonderful morning creating... and I thought it might be fun to share the projects they were so proud of.

I wore my purple bracelet the rest of the day til it wilted right off my arm :)

The Free Cards Winner for last week is Serena, thanks for playing!

Thank you to everyone who came and supported me at the English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair last weekend in Vancouver Washington - I was thrilled with the turnout of friends.

Before too long I will be posting some images from the show.

Have a wonderful day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Free Cards Friday ~ Show Prep: Charms and Paintings

I've been preparing for Saturday & Sunday's show at English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair in Vancouver, Washington. And my studio looks like St. Nick's workshop with products in a variety of stages of completion :)

See Show details

Two 16x16 paintings (inspired by previous 8x8 paintings) are nearing completion and I have been tying Glass Charms onto black cord - they will be much easier to take and enjoy this way, vs. offering them in little bags as before.

I am the opposite of a hoarder... I am a serial de-clutterer, I am a non-chotchkier (yes, invented word), so creating "products" sometimes goes against my grain on a very very basic level - HOWEVER, I support handmade, mama-made and fair-trade, SO, that's that ~ a piece of art created with love and attention and the intention of providing emotional and intellectual stimulation, provoking memories, pride and stories is an entirely different thing. An entirely positive reason to surround yourself with art that truly moves you and stirs your soul into action or peace.


It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on THIS blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.

Have a great day!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Flow ~ New 10x10 Painting ~ Mama's Protective Instincts

Flow is the newest painting in The Forty Minis Collection!

Inspired by the flow of a Mama's hair, through dark and light, as every part of her wants to instinctively embrace and protect her child.

You can find Flow and/or the remaining available paintings from The Forty Minis Collection in the Online Etsy shop.

I'm still tirelessly (okay, so I'm not even fully awake right now) preparing for the English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair this weekend:

UPCOMING EVENT: Saturday July 10 & Sunday July 11: English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair in Vancouver, Washington. I will be honored to have a booth there with original paintings, 12x12 and 8x10 prints, art cards and lots of glass charms.

Details at http://www.kmberggren.com/
If you are local, I hope to see you there, and if you mention this blog post, you can get 1 free print when you purchase 2. Everyone else has to purchase 4 to get a free one :) (print must be of equal or lesser value, of course)

Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday, (comment on tomorrow's post, here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be entered to win some cards! Comment throughout the weekend, I will pick the winner on Monday.


Have a great day,
Love & Sincerely, Katie

Video Process of Growing (in the dirt)

Hi! I've just uploaded the process of Growing (in the dirt), the newest 10x10 in the Forty Minis Collection! - how fun! And how easy this makes it all look :)

Have a wonderful day and look out for tomorrow's addition to the Forty Minis Collection!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

10x10 Sneak Peek ~ Inspiration from Writer Mama ~ Tickler File

On Monday, I took my 87 year-old Grandmother to the bus station and after, finding myself uncommonly alone and emotionally stirred and inspired (not uncommon), I had time to indulge in a fertile mind.

An insightful book I am reading titled Writer Mama introduced the idea of a “tickler file” – a place to pile half done drawings and/or writing ideas for later delving and inspiration.

A bursting of inspiration told me I had to start my file right away – I am always frustrated that I write down or draw my ideas and have no idea if I will ever see them again.

With a notebook in the car, a notebook in the purse, 3 in the studio and one by the bed, there is never any accountability for the fate of my scratched out ideas. With a purchase of two pretty boxes (one for writings, one for drawings) at Michaels (after scouring my brain to see if I already owned something that would work) I feel this will work for me. A reason to snip and cut ideas from wherever they have landed, to put them in a safe place.

I began cutting through my sketchbook last night and found this past sketch – I was very excited with the possibilities entangled in it… so I started the painting.

I hope you have a wonderful day.

I keep wondering if this early-waking thing is for me - but today I did it and it worked beautifully. It is ever so hard to get out of bed sometimes, but I know that if I can just get the go-to-bed time on track, then the mornings will be glorious...

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Deal Wise Mommy ~ Free Card Winner ~ This Weekend's Fun & Sunny Event!

Tonight is your last chance to enter to win free prints at Deal Wise Mommy! HURRY HURRY!



The Free Cards Winner for last week is Emily!



Today, I have been preparing like crazy for the upcoming event at English Estate Winery - my studio is a production studio for sure - glass charms, prints, cards... and that is only my portion of the studio! My boys have gone crazy creating games and computer software (out of cardboard and tape) - I am unimaginably proud of those two little creative boys - I can hardly wrap my heart around my pride and admiration for them - they amaze me, daily.



Have a wonderful week, I'm going to focus on rest this week - getting full nights of sleep - which HEY! may be a juxtaposition with the big show this weekend... it is going to be a GREAT one!

UPCOMING EVENT: Saturday and Sunday, July 10 & 11 will bring the talked-about English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair in Vancouver, WA and I will be honored to have a booth there with paintings, prints, cards and charms.

Details at http://www.kmberggren.com/
If you are local, I hope to see you there, and if you mention this blog post, you can get 1 free print when you purchase 2. The average joe has to purchase 4 to get a free one :) (print must be of equal or lesser value, of course)

Above Image: Watching You Sleep

Love & Sincerely, Katie

Free Cards Friday ~ managing morning time ~ Upcoming Camas WA event and Special Offer

It seems one day I can feel completely on top of everything - ahead of the game - everything in place and completely caught up... but it is just a matter of days until I feel like I'm completely behind!

I continue to take advantage of those morning moments before we are dressed, to get the bathroom cleaned, the laundry started and some miscellaneous things taken care of. That time before we actually get started on the day seem to almost be secret, forgotten moments. The boys are rambling about and playing, not yet hungry, not yet needing me, and I find this a beautiful time of day :)

I refer you to a blog post from September 11, 2009 about Procrastination discussing making the most of this "Pajama Time" before the day gets started.

UPCOMING EVENT: July 10 & 11 will bring the talked-about English Estate Winery Art & Wine Fair in Camas, WA and I will be honored to have a booth there with paintings, prints, cards and charms. Details at http://www.kmberggren.com/

If you are local, I hope to see you there, and if you mention this blog post, you can get 1 free print when you purchase 2. Everyone else has to purchase 4 to get a free one :) (print must be of equal or lesser value, of course)


above image: Up, a painting created in November of 2006 :)

It's Free Cards Friday! Comment on THIS blog post (here at the blog or on the Facebook page) throughout the weekend and be in the running to win some cards ~ I'll choose the winner on Monday.

Have a great Friday,

Love & Sincerely ~ Katie

Growing (In The Dirt) ~ New 10x10 ~ Miraculous Nature

Growing (in the dirt) is the newest painting in The Forty Minis Collection!

Inspired by summer, blue sky, my little garden, my little gardeners, and working mamas.

You can find Growing (in the dirt) and/or the remaining available paintings from The Forty Minis Collection in the Online Etsy shop.

I am inspired by the miraculousness of nature - I planted a bunch of seeds in some fresh dirt a month ago and for the first time in my life I have created a growing food source :) This is my first successful garden (because we now live in a place that has soil instead of rock!) and I can't help but feel proud but at the same time wonder at the ease in which those seeds became plants from which my son and my grandmother and I ate the first snap peas of the season from just this morning.

Tomorrow is Free Cards Friday, (comment on tomorrow's post, here at the blog or on my Facebook page) and be entered to win some cards! Comment throughout the weekend, I will pick the winner on Monday.


Have a great day, Love & Sincerely, Katie