In honor of my mother in law.

My mother-in-law, who is 93 and in a nursing home gave me an old scroll with several scriptures on it that she had hanging in her kitchen for many, many years.  She lived in this same home for over 60 years and I wanted to do something special with the scroll. So, I  decided I would separate each text out and incorporate them into some new and smaller Crosses of Hope. I'm going to make a series of these paintings in honor of her.

Marketing office organization

It's a rainy day today! Time to clean out that marketing office!

Here's a little look into my art office. This is a different room far from my art studio where I can work online, dream, and promote my art. If you haven't considered this for yourself as an artist, well, you can start today. :)
I get the best ideas for art making and marketing when I clean. I haven't quite understood the connection of cleaning and inspiration, but at this point, I don't really care! I listen to some great music, listen to some interesting websites, (see my other blog today for that really cool link!), get rid of stuff that has cluttered my office-and my mind-and just take the day to prepare for something new! Have a great day today!


Morning Visions.

I love chipmunks. And squirrels. All kinds of animals. This little guy has taken over the birdfeeder just outside my studio window. I see him eating his breakfast every morning while I am painting. I am having to replenish the bird feeder every 2-3 days! He's such a spastic, hungry little thing.

What should I name him?

Deb Magelssen Studio: "The End of Summer"The end of summer is bittersw...

Deb Magelssen Studio: "The End of Summer"

The end of summer is bittersw...: "The End of Summer" The end of summer is bittersweet for me. The busy, crazy, hot days of summer are full of activities which ...

The end of summer.

"The End of Summer"

The end of summer is bittersweet for me. The busy, crazy, hot days of summer are full of activities which keeps me motivated and actually a bit nuts and then things settle down to a routine with the return of fall helping me get back on track with goals and plans that I have left undone during the summer months.

This photo is from our stay at Superior Shores on Lake Superior. It's my hubby and me sitting on shore enjoying the amazing view. Yep, I do not paint 24/7. Sometimes it is just fine to sit and think and dream with your best friend. 

How to do end your summer? Do you have a specific event that takes place? A special time you set aside for yourself? Or does summer just merge into fall and you go with the flow?

I would love to hear from you!  If you are interested in Superior Shores or have a story to tell from your own stay there, post it! Here's the link. http://www.superiorshores.com/  
It's just north on Hwy 61 past Duluth.

A quick jaunt for a very cool get away!

Reuse old watercolor pan paint trays.

How to reuse pan paint trays!
Hello everyone!

Here's a little tip from my studio: My students already know this, but I thought I would pass it along to any art teachers out there.  I use cheap pan paints for my kids classes and then when the trays are almost empty, I take the trays and add student grade watercolor paints from a tube and add the paint in the empty pans. I keep the colors almost the same such a light green pan would be filled with a light green paint from a tube.

After all the colors are added, I let the trays dry completely and then close the lids. I keep at least 15 or more trays on hand for my beginner adult and kids classes. This saves me from have to waste paints and my students love the colors. I offer beginning watercolor classes with all material supplied by me so students have everything they need for class.

I hope you can use this idea, too! It's a great way to keep watercolors in a neat little compact tray you can provide for your students when you teach.  Here's a link to find watercolor paints from Jerry's Art A Rama.

  Oh, I always throw out the awful brush that is included in those trays. I find students cannot paint with them. I provide professional watercolor brushes for my students when they take classes from me. Good materials equals good painting results! If you have some tips, let me know! I would love to hear from you. All for now, Happy Painting!

My furry friend is gone...

Taffy Cinnamon Magelssen- RIP 2000-2013.   It's been a tough two weeks! My ever present furry companion, Taffy, has gone to doggie heaven. I really miss her and it just isn't the same in my studio, and my life!, without her. We enjoyed 13 years with her and her spirit is ever present.  She was always next to me, underfoot, or sitting by my side nuzzling my arm and bugging me to take her for a walk.   On cold days, she would lay on  top of my feet and keep me warm.  Having to put her down after she got very, very sick was one of the most heart-wrenching things I ever had to do. I know she is in heaven and I will see her again. Knowing this gives me hope and happiness. Animals are such a blessing to us! Thanks for listening. If you have a story of a favorite pet who passed away, please let me know. I would love to hear about it.          

Hugs to all of you-

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