Bird Mermaid Platter by Kolene Spicher

Showing off her bird-catching skills 

A Kolene Spicher Mermaid Pottery Piece 

Hand Building Pottery 

I have made some progress with my platter since I last posted.  The colors on this piece are beginning to POP as the clay is drying out in preparation to Bisque Firing.  

The edge of this piece was designed to look like coral.  I think it has this look, too, but I don't know for certain what this will look like once it is Bisque Fired. 

I decided to add the curtain because it gives it a good pop of color.  The water is textured and many shades of BLUE will stick out once fired. 

I am really loving this whole process.  I am going to be making many more of this sort of thing.  As I learn more about the clay, I am leaning more toward the hand-building process.  I am also learning to throw on the wheel, too.  

ENJOY! 

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Mermaid with Seaglass in Repurposed Antique Frame

Looking for Seaglass

After the shells and 'pickling' of the frame
AFTER  

I had a friend give me one of those Antique Criss Cross frames.  At the time, both of us were unsure what we would do with it.  I forgot to take a BEFORE picture so I had a base for comparison.  This is the best that I could come up with as far as showing to you the color of the frame at the beginning of my project.  

BEFORE 

This is the closest thing that I could find.  The first thing that I did was remove the gold liner.  I will save that for another painting for now.  Then I regaled the leaves on because they needed to be absolutely secure before adding the seashells.  

AFTER 

This is what the frame finish looked like after it was treated with my special pickling sauce, lol.  

Before the pickling, this is what I came up with as far as composition for the painting.  

One of my new hobbies is seaglass.  Why do I like seaglass.  I am sure that I don't know.  I just as fascinated with the idea of something tragic like a wreck or littering (in the bay) could somehow produce something as beautiful as seaglass.  

You can very subtly see the glass at the bottom of the painting.  I have painted it to blend into the sand because that is exactly like what it is like trying to find it.  Often times you will walk over a piece and not ever see it.  There seems to be an abundance of white glass...sigh.  I like the colored glass.  

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This is one of the many paintings that I will bring to the American Artisan's show in the fall at Wilton Historical society, 2017.  I am sorry but it is not for sale at this time.  

There will be over 50 artists present at this show.  It is in November.  Here is the link! 

http://wiltonhistorical.org/events/american-artisan-show/

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Dapper looking Sailor/Whaler

Worthy Whalers Wanted 

Navigating the Shoals 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/478764983/kolene-spicher-original-one-of-a-kind?ref=shop_home_active_1

This antique frame is in amazing condition with the exception of a few flaws in the corners.  It does not
affect the overall look of this painting.  

For sale on Etsy 

I love this #whalersailor look that I have painted over the years.  I have included this item for sale on my Etsy store because it helps the buyer to see how to include various paintings in group settings.  I happen to like the way this picture looks with the painting WORTHY WHALES WANTED,  also for sale on ETSY.  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/461914254/kolene-spicher-original-ship-painting?ref=shop_home_active_2
(This is the link for the top picture on ETSY) 

Using the antique frames is fun.  Often times you find frames that are one of a kind.  This gives your home a unique look that is not cookie/cutter, which I tire of quickly.

Navigating the Shoals 

Holding a book that has maps of the Shoals was very important in early America.  Many dangerous shoals, for example, surrounded the whaling port of Nantucket.  This painting is a story of a boy Sailor/Whaler who navigated the shoals of Nantucket.

These closeups show the naive style in which they were painted.  Not all of my paintings are done this simply, but this is correct for the time in which I am depicting.  It falls into that category of #folkart that was #selftaught and lends itself toward #outsider art.  

Also for sale on ETSY 

I feel that this frame is not photographing well.  The piece in person looks really unusual because it has specks of real gold leafing on it. I find it very pretty.   The pieces that stand out and are lighter are actually gold leaf.  Here's another shot.  (below) 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/474363435/kolene-spicher-original-mermaid-painting?ref=listing-shop-header-2

Thanks for looking today! 

ENJOY. 

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Final Post for The Loaves and the fishes 3-D Mermaid

The Frame

The first step to graining 

If you read any of my previous posts, you will recall that the frame for this project was to be grained.  This step was time consuming for me.  I don't grain every day.  I started off with a bright yellow buttercup color and then mixed a glaze and began the faux wood process.  

This was the final product of my efforts. 

I wanted the color to be very deep because the customer wanted it as dark as possible without losing the grain.  The grain is there!  You can see the subtle yellow shining thru the finish.  

...and They did eat and are all filled.  Luke 9:17  

I love a painting with a message.  For me that is what it is all about.  I am willing to labor over something to achieve a final goal that has some 'feel good power'.  As I have aged, I have become very interested in taking my time on things and doing them correctly.  While this painting took forever to finish, it was rewarding along the way.  

The tail will flip outward.  Once it is behind glass, I will not be able to demo this as effectively once behind glass, so I took lots of photos to show you now! 

Here are some additional photos.  

I like how my nail polish matches the water.  

The mermaid really stands out against the dark sea.  The color of the water was very important because the customer wanted it to enhance her  home decor furnishings.  

Look at the shadow on the Marlin! 

More shadows....

The Final Product! This measures in at 25"x36" OUTSIDE dimensions. That's one big mermaid! 

If you have the chance, go back and look at the steps that I wrote about concerning this painting on previous posts.  If you get the chance look up the Coast Guard Cutter ship portrait, too.  This was also a custom piece that I found really rewarding to paint.  I think the details shine when you take your time!  

ENJOY! 

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Kolene Spicher Mermaid Winter Scene Fish Fly

It was a real Fish Fly 

Part 1 - Developing a mermaid winter landscape 

Fish Fly will have this feel but different  story 

I am one of those people that sometimes works when I sleep.  I really get a lot of ideas at night when I should be sleeping ~ OVER ACTIVE MIND SYNDROME.  I am KIDDING. Well, not about not sleeping but about the silly syndrome.   Don't message me either that this  SYNDROME exists and that I have it, please.  I have enough on my plate~LOL. 

Last night, I had a great idea.  I am going to paint a mermaid scene about the Seattle Fish Market.  Although, this is not really a new thought to me, the composition for this painting began to unfold.  

At times, I just have to get a marker out and start scribbling.  Here is what I came up with.  Keep in mind, there is a reason why we call these things "Rough Drafts."  

I liked the sled so I had to put that idea back to good use.  

While at the High Point Furniture Market Antique show, I came across some FABULOUS water guilded gold-leafed frames.

Lemon water leafed frame 

They were a bit pricey, but having this frame on my Fishmonger/fish fly painting will really be worth it.  Wait to you see this finished.  I have a customer in mind for it already, who lives in the Seattle area.  

This will be added somewhere, too.
He was a real FISH MONGER!  

In case you don't know what a fishmonger is by internet definition, Wikipedia defines it as someone throwing a fish that has been purchased but has NOT yet been wrapped.  At the Seattle Pike Place Fish Market (founded in 1930), this is a habit that accidently made this market world famous.  IF you have not been there, it is well worth a visit.  The first STARBUCKs started there, too.  

Back in the 30s, it started its humble beginnings as an open air market at the corners of Pike Street and Pike Place.  I think that would be a neat painting, too.  This shall be painting No. 2 (maybe).  I will see how this one is received.  Keeping things flexible, here!

When I was there, I did not actually see anyone throw a fish, rumor has it that they sometimes throw plastic ones into the crowd to 'shake things up.'  That would give me a heart attack, probably. Anyone who knows me would agree~very high strung.  

Here is where I stopped with this painting.  I will post some additional shots next week when it is FINISHED! 

Sort of similar in coloration to the opening photo.  The little black spot in the ice is the fishing hole!  

Thanks for looking!  Have a wonderful rest of the week and Enjoy your holiday preparations.  We are blessed to live in this great country! 

ENJOY

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Kolene Spicher Original one-of-a-kind Whaling Painting

Thar' She blows 

Acrylic Nautical Painting on Paper 

Retrieved Wall Paper Technique "Tattoo Style"  

Titled Thar' She blows!
Sperm Oil for sale here!!! 

I am having a lot of fun painting this series.  Thar' She Blows is the second painting that has been finished and is part of my new "Tattoo art" group.  The first entry was of a ship.  I posted it about a week ago.

Minus the Glare, I LOVE this shot.  

Some of the things that make me think "Tattoo" are the heavy black lines and the opaque coloring.   Somehow, I feel these old sailors would have been speckled with tattoo art.  Anchors, flags, mermaids, etc.

This is supposed to have the feel of an old Trade Advertisement. 

I have always had a fondness for the sailor and his lifestyle…  He certainly looks patriotic with the American eagle and criss-crossed flags! 

Happy Times! 

Here's a shot of the painting in its entirety, and you can see the other Tattoo Ship painting that I referred to earlier!

I love Gold Leafed frames

Thanks for looking today.  This and others will be taken to my show in September!  Here's the information on that show.  I have some tickets.  If you are in the greater Philly/New Jersey area and would enjoy some complimentary tickets, private message me.  You can like me of Facebook, too.  I manage a page titled KOLENE SPICHER.

Enjoy! 

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Kolene Spicher Antique Style Trade Ship painting in Gold Leafed Mirror Fair Trade for these United States

Pen and Ink Trade Ship

Fair Trade For These United States

"Tattoo Art"  

Right Side Close up! 

Up Close 

I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU CALL THIS STYLE…Crazy.  I was having a bit of fun today painting trying some new things and WALA! 

The first thing I did was craze the paper.  This is always an unpredictable thing to do to paper.  I am never sure how it will turn out.  But you know, I really like it.  

It has a sort of TRADER JOE's feel to it.  

The little ding on the right middle doesn't detract.  You don't notice it.  

I have been in love with gold ever since I fell in love with Restoration Hardware.  I love their wall of antique gold frames that hang in their flagship store in NYC.  I painted my walls grey in my living room because I LOVE IT that much!   I just can't seem to keep myself from buying every gold frame I find.  Back to the painting.

I've always been a fan of anything that has to do with a trophy.  Maybe it's because I never won one!!  I love the idea of all the competition and racing and sportsmanship that enter in to receiving a trophy.  I think they look really good in front of artwork, too, BTW. 

Look at the details of this frame. 

Here's another shot - different location.

This painting is intended for my Bedminster Show in September.

If you can make this show and would like to have tickets, let me know!  I am happy to get some for you and a friend to enjoy!  

Thanks for looking! 

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Custom Mermaid Painting - Treasure of the sea! - Post No. 1

Sea Treasures 

I love the complexity of this Cottage style frame 

Today, I have started a new custom mermaid painting.  It's actually going to be a double mermaid painting. This painting is about the treasures found in the sea.  It will include (along with the mermaids) dogs, shells, ships, sailors--everything that we love.  Everything that holds mystery…even the sea itself will "pop" in this painting.   

When I paint, I like to draw the viewer into the painting.  To do this, it has to be about something.  The real treasures in life are the people and the animals that are placed in our care for a short time…  

This was drawn very fast, but this is the composition.  

 I want the mermaids to have some sailor friends in the background.  One standing and one sitting, it keeps things interesting! However, the painting is definitely NOT about the sailors.  It is about the dogs and the mermaids.

So ADORABLE~Both of them! 

My idea is that the big shell will hold the dogs.  The two mermaids are actually two sisters.  The "mom" of these beauties wanted them on the beach with shells, etc.  It thought it would be so cute to have the dogs, too.  

Picking the frame is always a challenge.  We decided that we wanted to go with a cottage style.  The frame is really complex.  There are a lot of tones that are under the surface that make it beautiful.  

I am definitely going to be including the warm sand.  It contrasts the frame quite nicely.  

I had this old mermaid print laying around; it is actually too small for this frame.  I thought it would be fun to throw it behind the frame just to see… I like it.  The only thing that I intend to do is go MUCH lighter blue with the water.  

I like these color tones.  

I love the blues here.  

And here...

I am going to include a ship or a sailboat, too.  I am not sure which! This was taken
on the Chesapeake Bay. 

Thanks so much for looking.  I appreciate your time! Check back soon for more updates.  I am going to begin the tedious task of drawing the mermaids very soon.  

Enjoy! 

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