ArtPrize

In 2010 and 2011 I participated in a wonderful city wide even in Grand Rapids called ArtPrize. I didn't have the time to do anything this year, but I thought I would share with you my painting from last year.

I would love to be painting more, but I find that there are so many things that I want to do that there just isn't enough time in the day! This is to help inspire me to get back into painting soon :)

The painting in 2010 was dedicated to my Grandma because she would garden with me as a child and started my love of flowers. The 2011painting was dedicated to my Grandpa. He passed away that year and this was my tribute to him. This was the most difficult and challenging painting I have done and I think he would have liked that I pushed myself with it.

Both painting are done on 200lb cold press watercolor paper with watercolor paint.

 

Here is the beginning stages of the bottom Iris.

 

 

View of the two iris as they develop. I like to work all over the canvas as I go, but this one was a little different. I completed the bottom iris first then went on to the second. Then I went back in and added the darkest parts.

 

After the flowers and background were done, I went in and added the fuzzy yellow part of the iris.

 

This is a picture of the 2010 and 2011 paintings together. They are framed and matted the same so that they are a pair, just like my Grandparents were for over 60 years. :)

Pinterest

I have had a Pinterest page for about a year now and for some reason it never occurred to me to link it here! Being one of those people are addicted to Pinterest, there are a ton of fun things for you to check out. Everything from design, glass, clothes and fun pet pictures, you name it I probably like to pin it!

Struthers Studios on Pinterest

Here are a couple images I found on there this morning - might give you an idea of what I like to pin :)

Grand Opening!

Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend.

I am excited to announce that my Etsy shop is open for business!! I have been hard at work getting all of my fused glass pendants posted while fusing more to post soon.

Remember Christmas is just around the corner, so get some of your shopping done early for your friends and family. Check out my Etsy shop for some beautiful fused glass pieces for your loved ones. Also, be sure to check back within the next week for more options as I get some more pieces done.  Click here Struthers Studios

Enjoy looking around!

Happy Birthday to the Best Mom!!

I would just like to say Happy Birthday to my wonderful mother. This past weekend we went home and spent a lovely Saturday with her and then a yummy dinner and INCREDIBLE chocolate cake from the best bakery in the world. (Hamilton's http://www.hamiltonpastries.com/Pages/default.aspx)

I won't reveal her age, since she told me "I don't celebrate birthdays unless they end in 5 or 0, so don't sing to me." But I will say that she is the best mom I could ever ask for. She has not only loved me unconditionally, but she has supported me in everything I have ever done. She would kill me if I posted her picture, so, to stay on her good side I won't. But these little guys below are her two babies Dakota (on the left) and Wyatt (on the right).

If you are interested in seeing some of Mom's beautiful paintings, please check out her website!
http://www.sorraiastudios.com/

Quick Witt Designs

I have to brag about another one of my wonderful friends who has opened her own shop on Etsy! Janelle Joyce is an incredibly talented designer with a love for typography and invitations. She has a wonderful selection of designs to pick from for you to have your very own customized invitation. From wedding invitations to save the dates to baby showers - she has everything you need.

Janelle follows trends and her beautiful work reflects that. Take a look at her shop for all your invitation needs :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/quickwittdesigns

 

Head Over to the Brooding Artist Blog

Hello everyone! I wanted to share with you all my wonderful friend and coworker's blog. She spends every Wednesday night at the humane society volunteering by taking pictures of all the pups to put on their website. I have no doubt that her beautiful pictures have helped some of these fuzzy friends get loving homes.She comes in to work on Thursdays and shows me all the love bugs that she photographs and it takes everything I have to not run over there and adopt all of them. As many of you know, four legged babies hold a very special place in my heart. If it weren't for my husband continually reminding me we don't have room for another dog (even though he is a dog lover himself) I would probably come home with a dog each month. :)
So, please check out Miss Adrianne Adelle and see some of her wonderful photography!

http://adrianneadelle.wordpress.com/

Sneak Peak!

I have been working tonight on getting my images edited to post some glass pendants on Etsy this week. Thought I would show everyone a sneak peak. :)
~Courtney

Little Helper

Hope everyone has had a nice weekend. A little cold and rainy here, which is perfect to get things done inside.
I spent most of my weekend getting my fused glass photographed to put on my Etsy shop. Takes time, but I am a couple steps closer!
Of course I had to get some house chores done this weekend as well. One of those included folding laundry. I have to share this picture with you because it is a perfect example of my little helper.
Have a great Monday,
Courtney

Jewelry!!!

Happy Tuesday everyone!!!
I wanted to give you a little taste of the jewelry that I will be posting on Etsy this weekend.
This is a beaded bracelet that I made for my dear friend Amy.

Keep checking back to find out when the Struthers Studios Etsy shop will open.
~Courtney

Introducing Baby Payton

Happy Monday everyone. I would like to officially introduce you to my little girl. This is Payton and she is my little helper in everything. She sat and snuggled with me while I created this blog.
Payton is 5 years old and rescue baby. We love her so much and you will find me posting about her here and there.
Cheers
~Courtney