HAPPY NEW YEAR

The Powell's
December 25, 2010

Happy New Year from our Family to yours.
May your new year be filled with good health and happiness

Left-Keri, Dustin, Karla, Amber, Kenneth, Suzy
Back Row- Kenley and Kenyon
Front Row-Hunter

GrandKids with their Gifts

I was very touched by the kids reactions to their torn paper paintings. Both boys couldn't quit looking at them, and studying them. The basketball has red cars in it because Dustin got his license this year, and he has an OLD red corvette. Kenyon loved his because all he wants to do is farm. His has a cotton stripper in it, since he loves to run one. Hunter and Karla loved theirs too.

Three Wise Men

The Wise Men
In my bible, Matthew 2: 1-2 it says:
"After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews: We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."
May we remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. May God Bless you and your families, and may we truly worship him this special holiday season.


This painting is watercolor but I put gesso on it first. I really enjoy painting on the texture of the gesso, and how the paint settles into the textured paper.

I'll Be Home

I'll Be Home ©

This is for all those service men and women who are away at this time,
protecting and securing freedom for us, and those in other countries.
May they be protected, safe and blessed and come home soon.
Thanks to all of them.
www.suzypal.com
www.suzypal.blogspot.com

New Scooter

'New Scooter'©

This is the little red scooter that was on this little snow kids list.
He is taking his girl friend for a spin.
I love these scooters, and always wanted
one. I would love to have one of the old ones.
Don't know where I would ride it, but
I just think it would be such fun.
Christmas is only five days away. Wow,
time sure flies by in a hurry.
Merry Christmas everybody.

Christmas Eve Delivery

Christmas Eve Delivery

Merry Christmas everybody! The 25th is only a few days away.
I can't believe how fast time flies by.
I hope for lots of laughter, joy and good health for all
my family and friends who read my blog
May 2011 be your best year yet.
For my artist friends, I wish lots of creative works and ideas,
and for ALL of us prayers that we will remember the real reason
for Christmas...'Jesus' Birth' and what He did for us. What a wonderful GIFT.
We are truly blessed if we have Him as our Savior. If you don't, you can,
all you have to do is ask. The story of Jesus birth is in Luke 2.
and John 3:16 says it all.

Southwest Christmas Cards

'The Cook'

I did 4 Southwest card paintings. This southwest snow 'woman' is
baking Christmas goodies. It is getting time to be thinking about what
we will be cooking for the holidays. All the family favorites. In our
family, it is Ken baking the bread. I cook everything else. Our kids like
peanut patties. When our moms were alive, it was Nanny's T cakes,
and peanut brittle, and for my Mother, it was her Mexican Cookies. yum.
Wish I knew how to make them. Christmas is such a special time for making
memories, as well as family time together.

Shopping in the City

Shopping in the City ©

I did this card painting in 2008. The buildings were such fun to paint.
I doubt that the city is this 'calm' during this time of year, but it is for this little snow person.
Maybe it is really late, and every thing is closed, and every body has gone home for the night.
Merry Christmas ...It is such a special time of year.

The Family Tree

'The Family Tree' ©

This painting will also be used for cards. I paint them about 9x12 or ...1/4 sheet of watercolor paper so they will make nice cards. If you paint them too small, they don't look as good.
This little family is going and picking out their special tree for the holidays.
We never lived where there was any trees to go pick out. I do remember going to my Grandparents house who lived in the woods in East Texas, and she always had a little fresh tree, with hand made ornaments and popcorn strings. I never did very well with stringing the popcorn since it was my favorite thing to eat.
I pray we remember why we celebrate Christmas.

Fresh Trees

'Fresh Trees' ©

This is a new Christmas painting for 2010.
I'm not sure how many people use fresh trees anymore.
We don't because of allergies. I can remember going on Dec.24th and getting a tree when I was growing up. My parents would never put a tree up before then! Strange now, since people decorate for Christmas before Thanksgiving.

The Policewoman

'The Policewoman"

I took this picture this summer in NY from the top of the tour bus. I just loved watching her as she directed the traffic. She knew what she was doing , that is for sure!
There were so many cars and taxi's honking constantly. I always notice people's hands, and she was so graceful pointing, and directing, and blowing her whistle.
This is done with the torn pages from magazines.

US Mail Christmas Cards

'US Mail'

I was driving home from Lubbock, TX last year during the holidays, and saw this wonderful mail box, so I turned around and went back and took pictures of it, so I could paint it. I am always looking for new Christmas card ideas. We have a mail box, but I never seem to get it decorated. If I did, a tractor would probably hit it and ruin it.
(Our Grandson wiped out our last one! )
My sister works in the Post office, and I always think of her when it comes to mail 'stuff'. But also have a feeling for rural mailboxes like I do clothes lines, and laundry hanging out.
I can make cards from this if anybody is interested.
Just give me a call, or email.
suzy_pal2000@yahoo.com

Torn Paper Collage
12" x 12" on gallery wrapped canvas

These two boot paintings are on their way to the 2010 6th Annual 12BUY12 Juried Art
Show at the Austin Art Space Gallery & Studios, Austin, Texas." Floral Spurs"
and "Lone Star Spurs" were accepted into the show juried by Carl McQueary who curates exhibits at the Austin Museum of Art and Laguna Gloria. You can view last year's opening party on their web site at www.AustinArtSpace.com or you are invited to attend the Opening Reception Saturday, November 20, 2010 (5-9 PM) at 7739 Northcross Drive, Suite Q, Austin, TX 78757. The show dates are November 16-December 18.

A friend, Nancy Standlee also got 2 in the show. Be sure and visit her blog to see her Mr. Rooster, and Good Coffee. Nancy paints a lot of her own paper, and I use nothing but magazine pages, and sometimes a little acrylic.

I saw these floral boots in a well known boot company in San Angelo, TX and they were kind enough to let me photo their shop where they make and repair boots. It was an awesome experience! They were so nice to talk to me, and let me take all kinds of pictures of their boots!
When I saw these floral boots, I knew immediately which pair I wanted!

Rodeo Clown

I was excited to hear that my Rodeo Clown made the newspaper in Midland,TX.
The exhibit is at the Midland College. One of the women who works at the college was kind enough to let me know, plus send me two copies of the paper! I would not have even known if she not told me! Thanks Karen for letting me know!

Red White and Blue Boots

'Texas Boot'
Sold

'Red White and Blue'


More fun with collage!

Collage Workshop

Due to email problems, I am posting this on my blog.
I have been asked to do a torn paper collage workshop in Lubbock.
If we can get the building, it will be Feb. 3, 4, and if we had enough interest, we could do 3 days.
that is on a Thursday and Friday, and possibly on Sat. Depending on what I hear back.
It will be $45.00 per day.
It would take one day for a demo, and you do a small one, (8x10 )then on the 2nd day you would bring your own image(larger...maybe 12x12 or 12x16, 14x18) It is a lot of fun, and for me has been addictive. I will have some boot drawings and a few other things too.
Some of the pieces I have done are on this blog, you can just scroll down and see them.
You can just email me and let me know your thoughts on it.
You wont need to many supplies, email me for a list.

suzypal@lyntegar.com
OR
suzy_pal2000@yahoo.com

The Guitarist

'The Guitarist'
16x20

This is my first real face, and the jury is still out on it! I have agonized over it, and probably put too many pieces of paper on it. I did glaze over the background with thin white acrylic.
We saw this man in Albuquerque at the Balloon festival when we went. I thought he was a good subject.

Pink Boot

'Pink Boot'
12x12
Torn Paper Collage

I started this a couple weeks ago, and just couldn't get it to work,so I put it up. Had planned on sending it to Austin for the show there. I got it out on wed. and reworked the back ground..a woman called from Lubbock asking if I had a painting I could donate to the Texas tech cancer research auction,(this next week)

so I am sending this. I already had the pink breast cancer ribbon on it with out even thinking about it going for this.
Isn't it great how God works? I was going to send it to Austin.(and I wasn't supposed to!)

He always amazes me, at some of the things He allows me to do with my art work!
There are several people in our families, and friends who have battled and are still battling this horrible disease. I pray that someday there will be a cure for it.

Carousel Memories

'Carousel Memories'

I took this photo 'somewhere' on a trip, and enjoyed doing it with the torn papers.
I am using a few certain magazines that I really like. The paper is heavy, and the back side doesn't show through. I have a friend in the Dallas area, Nancy Standlee who
does collage, but she paints a lot of her own papers. Her work is really beautiful!
Be sure and check out her new coffee cup.

Patriotic Clown

'Patriotic Clown'

14x16

After doing the first clown, I wanted to do one, who 'really' looked like a rodeo clown, with a flag, so I took the same photo, flipped it backwards, and put a western hat on him, and used papers that were red white and blue.

Midland Texas Art Show

The opening of the Midland show was last night, and we got lost, but got there just in time for the awards. I hadn't seen the program or looked around so when the President of the college called my name for Honorable Mention, I was so shocked. Not only was there a ribbon, but also a nice check to go with it! I wasn't really sure how this would be accepted in the art world because there is VERY little acrylic paint on it. The rest is torn up magazine pages. It is such fun, and very addictive.

West Texas Watercolor Society Show

'Garden Chair'

Our fall show started last week, and this painting got a 2nd place.

This chair is in our yard by the pond, and I normally keep some sort of flower on it.

There is beauty everywhere you look! Even in your own back yard.

Lone Star

'Lone Star'
12 x 12 canvas

This is another Torn paper collage, with very little acrylic, mainly for a shadow.
This is also for the Austin Show, and I made sure Austin showed on the Texas map.
Not that it would matter, but somebody might like it on there! I tried to make it more
masculine, not so 'girl-ee.'

New Spurs Series

'Texas Spurs'
Sold


'New Spurs 4'

'Floral'
'New Spurs 3'

There is a show in Austin so I thought I would do some boots for that. The work has to be 12 x 12. I normally don't paint for shows, but thought the boots would be fun to send, plus mixed media is accepted. These are also torn paper. There is very little paint on them. I just decided since I have done 3 ,I would just call them a series.

Rodeo Clown

'Rodeo Clown'
16x20
(canvas)

This is my 4th collage with torn paper. The 16x20 got very large before I could finish.
I was wondering why in the world i used it, but it was what I had on hand.
This is very creative, and I believe it might be intuitive too, because you sort of do what looks or feels right. I am still using acrylics here and there. It makes me feel better, and makes me feel like I am really painting. I am surprised at the rich colors you can get using this method.
I have a new one sketched off. Plus I have been working on some more 'New Spur' paintings.

Riding the Circuit 2

'Riding the Circuit 2'
12x16

This is another torn paper collage, done on canvas. The tearing, and finding the right texture is a challenge.And a mess! Little pieces of paper all over the floor.

There is black golden liquid acrylics and I also splattered some paint.
The outside edges have towns and map on it. These won't be framed.

New Spurs

"New Spurs"

This 'torn paper' collage is very addictive, and so much fun!
This is from a photo that I took in Clovis NM of some boots and spurs.
Searching through a magazine looking for the right texture and color is time consuming but I am getting faster at it. I call it my paper palette. Derek Gores, a collage artist, told me to just be free, let go and use some wild things in my work, so I did. I was skeptical about using a brooch for the spur but it worked! and added some fun to it. I am going to add what he wrote after seeing my Bronc Rider. You can look him up...and see his amazing work
www.Derekgores.com plus he is on Facebook.

Your piece looks great...! I work very quickly, so I like that the gloss dries fast... and the gloss makes the colors pop out more.
one thought for you on the next one. For things like the fringes, try finding a texture in the printing that mimics that slightly, rather than cutting out individual fringes. could be some stacked letters, or a picture of a fence, or windows in a building maybe. also, try finding pieces that satisfy more than one area at a time. for ex, maybe a piece that has some white and then some brown could be used for the edge of the horse and the background at the same time. and i suggest mixing it up more, rather than just making the whole background a map, be a little more free. anything whiteish could work back there. try an assortment where the pics are a mix of close and far away... for ex a map feels far away.. imagine overlapping that with something super close up... the white of an eye maybe? that near/far spatial play makes these things reallllly dynamic. try that approach throughout. people realllly like saying things like 'wow she used a strawberry and a corvette for part of the scarf!'
try things that are vastly different than the object they will create. don't just go for the right color, go for surprising textures.

enjoy!!
derek
and feel free to include my thoughts on your blog if u wish.

Riding the Circuit

'Riding the Circuit'

Well call me crazy! I saw some work by a collage artist, Derek Gores, and loved what he did (Look him up online) so I wanted to try it! It is somewhat addictive. I spent many days trying to get this like I wanted it. I probably could have painted two or three paintings in the time it took!
I don't know how many layers there are! I do know that under his red shirt is a white and black shirt!

It is done on an 8"x16" canvas, mainly because it was handy, so I cropped the back side off and just put the cowboy and the horse, and I think the message is there.

There is a Texas map behind him, and the rest is torn pages from magazines, using gloss medium. There is a little acrylic paint on it, i painted the paper for the scarf because I couldn't find any bright turquoise like I wanted. The horse color came from pictures from a cowboy magazine. Horse pictures just torn up and stuck on. There are be some boots here and there. There is a pair of boots on his nose. And of course if you are from Texas you know about the big belt buckles that they win at the rodeos. I already have another one in mind.

One of the draw backs to this kind of art is the mess you make finding the paper, cutting and tearing it up. I have it all in one small box! If and when I can get to another one, I need to gather some paper first, instead of hunting as I work. I will have to fix myself a 'paper palette'

Daily Supplies

'Daily Supplies'

I painted this for the show in Clovis NM last November. I love western art. That is what I wanted to do when I started painting, but it is so detailed and hard to do, it didn't take me long to venture onto something a little easier! I am hoping to go back to doing more. Maybe because my Granddad was a cowboy and always had a story for us. He remembered all the names of his horses he had his whole life so maybe the sentimental part of me loves western art. He taught our son to rope, and probably gave him tips on riding, and caring for his horse. This painting is similar to another one that I did. I left the rope white on this one. It probably should be called 'New Rope'. The sky is turquoise watercolor mixed with white gouache.

Time to Renew

'Time to Renew'
I thought I would look through some of my older paintings, and this one was sold 2 years ago.
It was fun to do, with all the rust, and texture, plus the weeds. It is the sort of thing I love to paint. This license plate was on an old pick up that I found around here. It has been hauled off since I got the photo! Always have your camera! You just don't know what you might miss.

El Paso International Art Show

The "Woven Cactus" (that was posted earlier) "Summer Time" and "Three's Company"
were all accepted into the El Paso International Art Show. The show is September 25th-October 9th. Now the fun part of getting them boxed up and shipped!

Woven Cactus

"Woven Cactus"

This was a failed painting, so I did another one, and wove them together. For me, there is something about the texture of the cut paper that I enjoy. It is extra work, but you don't know if you will like it or not, until you have done it and gotten it back together. If it doesn't work, it is still OK, because I have painted that day, and painting each day is the fun part, Plus a learning experience.

Woven Tulips

Woven Tulips
This was done with a really pale wash of gold acrylic first.
Not over the entire paper, just swished it here and there.
The gold looks really pretty, shining underneath the watercolor.
You have to really look to see it, but it gives it a glow.
After it was dry, I drew off my tulips. I did this on two sheets of paper the same size.
Each drawing the same size. They were painted one darker than the other one, using watercolor. after they dried I cut them up. One horizontally, and one vertically.
After they were cut, I started weaving them back together.
Some pieces have to be left out, to get it to match up right. I originally did this idea
when I had a failed painting, but needed a demo, so i painted several Tulips,
so I would have one already done. These really are a lot of fun to do,
plus it adds texture to your painting.

Yoakum County Art Show 2010

"Wash Day"

We just finished our annual county art show,
and I wont Best in Show with my painting,
"Wash Day." This Old building is in O'Donnell, TX.
It is awesome, and the owner said it was built for a wash house.
(By her parents) in the 40's. I loved it the minute I saw it!
I have done two paintings of it. One with transparent watercolor, and this one
has gouache in the sky. The other one is in the show in Roswell, NM.
Their show opens tomorrow night. I won an award on an old truck that
I entered, "Don't Fence Me In" It is also on my blog. It was posted earlier.

The Artistic Touch 4 by Chris Unwin

Chris Unwin has a new book entitled
"The Artist Touch 4"
I was blessed and honored to be chosen to be in it with a lot of
wonderful accomplished artists. My old Truck "Diamond Reo" is on page 43!
I have a few left if anybody wants a signed copy.
If you do, contact me for the info. My phone number is 806 456 3411

Pablo

Pablo is our dog, and he is so sweet. He was a horrible puppy, and I considered giving him away for 2 years, but one day he quit eating everything he found, and is now a very good little dog! He is a Papillion, but is not tiny like some of them.
He begs to play fetch, and goes to the art room with me. He usually takes a toy with him when we go to paint. He knows I always carry something so he thinks he is supposed to. When we got him, he was only 6 weeks old, and I took him with me to paint. A lot of the time I was chasing him, getting stuff out of his mouth (push pins, paper clips, etc.) We enjoy him now that he has calmed down, and has his own cute personality.
Pablo is another one of the 6x6 size.

Our 'Grand Dog'

"T-Bone"
6x6

This is T-Bone! Our daughters Jack Russell mix little monster!!
He has so much personality, and is so hateful at times!
And so loving at other times.
You can't tell by his innocent look! Recently
I saw some dog paintings online,
and was inspired to try a few...I also did a couple more,
one of our dog, and one of our nephews dog.
These were done on the 6x6 pad of watercolor paper I got
while in Pennsylvania. The name of it is Italia.

Tip Toe thru the Flowers!

'In The Jungle"

This painting is 16x20 framed. It is another one with the under painting done first. I drew the flowers, and painted them, about mid value. After I had them painted, I drew the elephant over that, and painted the elephant and back ground, leaving some of the pure flower color showing as well as some negative painting.

Upcoming Art Shows

"Gone Wild"

"The Wash House"

"Don't Fence Me In"

I just found out this week that "Gone Wild" got in
The 25th WATERCOLOR WYOMING NATIONAL EXHIBITION
in Sheridan Wyoming.
"The Wash House" and "Don't Fence Me In"
got in the RFAL/NMMAS show in Roswell, New Mexico.
Rosewell also has a miniature show at the same time.
Now is the time to get one ready to mail, and the other two delivered.
The inspiration for these paintings came from a trip to
Cloudcroft, NM, and a trip to O'Donnell Texas.

The Painter in PA

"The Painter in PA"
6"x6"

I have been playing around with some pictures from our trips, and I took a photo of this man on the street in Philadelphia in front of an art store. He was painting and selling his work for $5.00. He was showing off his work to anybody who would look. It was fun to see him there, and go into the largest art store I have ever been in! It had 3 floors. Their paper was on the top floor, and they had HUGE rolls of watercolor paper. I have never seen anything like it! I did buy a small pad of watercolor paper, and I really like it. I plan on checking into getting some larger sheets. It lifts easier than arches. It is smoother.

The Flute Player

"The Flute Player"

I took a picture of this man while waiting in line to get on the ferry to go to the Statue of Liberty. He was sitting on the ground beside the LONG line, playing "Battle Hymn of Republic" over and over. I didn't get the sad look that he had.
I think he was homeless. I thought he might be a veteran because of where we were, and what he was playing. This is just 6x6...I decided to do some small ones, and hopefully i can paint it larger in the same way. By the way, the Statue of Liberty is awesome! One of my favorite Ladies!!

Garden Chair

" Garden Chair"

This painting is 15x22. I love the metal garden chairs...they just look 'homey' or something!
This one is in my yard and nearly always has a flower sitting on it. I used a piece of fabric for the design in the background. I just love summertime with flowers sitting around in pots!

July Porch

"July Porch"

This is one of my favorite times of the year.
Flags flying, and warm weather!
Petunias in pots on the patio and porch...
geraniums reaching for the sky,
Cooking hamburgers on the grill,
sprinklers going in the yard!
The smells are great! Especially if it rains.
Watching the crops grow...
barn swallows feeding their babies......
wonderful summertime! and wonderful freedom!