"Spirit of Aretha"

"Spirit of Aretha," 4" x 4", egg tempera on Kelmscott vellum (available from my website)  (c) Mona Diane Conner 2009

The preceding step (#5) for the "Spirit of Aretha"

Just one more post of Aretha Franklin, since her portrait is finally completed!  Sometimes it takes me a while to return to a painting since I generally have 4 or 5 paintings and commissions in various stages of completion at one time.  Since it's been a while, I thought it would be interesting to add this re-post of the preceding step. 

Internet interruption

Just a note that my internet connection went out over the weekend.  Sorry for the delay, but I'm happy to be back today with a new modem, and am preparing for a new post later on tonight. 

Corrected Rules for Mona's Mini Blog Award

"Kay Petryszak," (click on art for a detailed view) commissioned miniature portrait by Bill Mundy (see Bill's blog for his step-by-step of this painting.  Kay Petryszak is the current President of Miniature Artists of America, and a very talented miniature painter herself.)

"Kyra," by Akiko Watanabe, 2.5" x 3.5"

"Intricate" by Deb Kierce, 2.5" x 3.5"

Sorry if it got confusing.  I was articulating in my last post about the parameters of this award, but probably not clearly enough in the rules themselves that Mona's Mini Blog Award is aimed toward honoring miniature artists, and ACEO artists who are interested in pursuing miniature art, so to help others steer this award down it's intended path, I'm reposting the rules including this specific, and you can pick up the rules for Mona's Mini Blog Award here:

Acknowledge via link the artist who passes you the award, and pick it up from their blog.  The fun part:  name five of your all-time favorite movies.  Additionally, name your pick for this year's movie of the year.  Then pass the award forward to three miniature or ACEO blog artists you appreciate for their finely detailed art on a small scale, linking them in your post. 

Above is an example of the lovely miniature work by the three mini-artists I chose to pass this award forward to.

Because Artists Love Movies Too

"Mona's Mini Blog Award", 2 3/8" x 1 7/8", egg tempera on Kelmscott vellum

I have a health issue going on this week, which is slowing me down, but as mentioned in my April 11 post, I'm ready to launch this art blog award.  I've painted and created this award in honor of my neighbors and friends Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck, to salute them for their great movie, "Sugar."  The message I got from "Sugar," is how much personal ratification matters.  It's my pick for movie of the year!  This award is given to recognize outstanding miniature artists and to appreciate film, and filmmakers.  Here are the rules for receiving it and passing it on:

Acknowledge via link the artist who passes you the award, and pick it up from their blog.  The fun part:  name, (as I did in my previous post), five of your all-time favorite movies.  Additionally, name your pick for this year's movie of the year!  Then pass the award forward to three blog artists you appreciate, linking them in your post.

I'm passing "Mona's Mini Blog Award" on to Akiko Watanabe, Deb Kierce, and Bill Mundy.

Looking forward to hearing your movie selections.  I'm only passing it on to three people, but I trust, Bill, if I pass it to you, that you'll pass it on to Rachelle.  There are so many great miniature painters to honor!  And congratulations again to Anna and Ryan.  Click on "Sugar" for a link to the movie's website.

*Just a clarification note:  sorry it wasn't stated more clearly in the rules themselves, and it's fine too if the award is wider spread, but my intention with this in particular is to honor miniature artists.  To the extent possible, please choose artists to pass it forward to whose blogs focus on miniature painting and/or ACEOs, (and thanks to all for passing it on the corrected rules, now listed in my April 16 post.)

Award goes to Anna & Ryan for "Sugar"

I got too tapped out this weekend, so it's tomorrow that I'll post the actual award and lay out the rules for passing it forward, but I'd like to announce today that in honor of my neighbors, Anna & Ryan, I am creating a special blog award, for their new movie, "Sugar".  You can see trailers and clips for "Sugar" here.  "Sugar" is my pick for the best movie of the year.  I feel it carries a message of value for artists, and for anyone who is a professional in their chosen field of endeavor.   (Additional note:  I'm painting an actual miniature for the award, and it's taking a little extra time, so please look for it on Tuesday!)

Holiday Wishes, & a Painting Award

"Crucifix for B-Gay," 2 1/4" x 1 7/8", egg tempera on Kelmscott vellum

I've received the "Passion for Painting" award again, this time for my Ruby Slippers blog, from Deb Kierce.  Thank you Deb!  Deb enjoys painting ACEO's, another form of miniature painting, and she features precious scenes from nature.  In acknowledging this award I am supposed to name five things I love, and since I especially love going to the movies, I am choosing just five out of many great movies I have particularly enjoyed over the years:  "Breakfast at Tiffany's," "Corrina, Corrina," "Saint Ralph," "Picture Bride," & "The Horse's Mouth."  "The Horse's Mouth" is an old British classic with Alec Guiness that every artist should see! 

Since this award has already been around the block, I'm not passing it forward; however, I am creating an award of my own for something very special, so stay tuned for that tomorrow.  Passover and Easter are special times.  Tonight I am attending a Paschal Vigil at my local church, and I wish everyone a joyful and meaningful holiday time.

Congratulations Marcia & Harry!

You may remember my miniature study, "Tulip Garden at Giverny."  This painting was purchased by my sister, Peggy, as a wedding gift for Mom & Harry.  Last year when Mom & Peggy travelled to France with me, they gave me a special gift of a ticket to see Giverny Gardens and take photos, so this was a great idea come full circle.  Thanks for thinking of it, Peggy!

"Tulip Garden at Giverny," 1 1/4" x 3 1/4" egg tempera on Kelmscott vellum

During their honeymoon visit to NYC, I had lunch with Mom & Harry at Asiate on the 35th floor of NYC's Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Here is the first photo I have of the happy couple, Mom & her new husband Harry

L to R:  my sister Peggy and 2 of her 4 sons, David & Daniel, with Harry.   Since my brother is a qualified justice of the peace, he performed the ceremony. 

Wedding

My Mom is getting married again tomorrow (at age 83!), so I will be away from blogging for a few days.  Back on Thursday, April 9!  I'll also be addressing another blog award I've received upon my return.