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Deep Cleaning




A new-to-me vintage plate rack is the perfect desk top hold-all for studio treasures - including an orchid from my Grandmother (I hope it'll be happier in here than it was in the kitchen), a Pillsbury Doughboy painting by The Princess, and my ever handy voodoo doll. Now my desk is spiffy clean.

Once I've shipped my last painting for the year, I do a happy dance and enjoy some really good chocolate. Then I roll up my sleeves and give the studio a deep cleaning.

A couple vintage discoveries made this morning, one of which is pictured above, prompted major reorganization along with the dusting. I'm delighted with the fresh look my work space has taken on and excited to pick the brushes up later tonite and make some magic happen in here.

Thanks so much for following along with my artwork,
Kim


2013 Stats

Created 154 paintings (got one more holiday commission left)

Shipped 121 paintings (thankfully that last one can be hand-delivered at the nth hour)

Bought $980 of paint and panels

Taught in Traverse City (MI), Baton Rouge (LA), Springfield (MO), Lake Orion (MI) and Orlando (FL).

Had paintings exhibited in Kansas, Wisconsin, New York, Florida and Michigan 

Won four prizes in international juried events

Got my first iPhone

FINALLY got an iPad

Gave 5 demos/lectures to small art groups

Danced every day

Sang off tune every day

Read 33 books

Published book #4

Was included in three other collections/ anthologies

Completed an ambitious composition in a marathon 8-1/2 hour live painting session

Began accepting figural commissions 

Added 23 dolls to my creepy doll collection

Thoroughly enjoyed meeting fans and making an untold number of new friends

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