Its March Time to Post:

Three Months Since I Have Posting Anything! Wow!

My latest stuff; some of these found me venturing out of my comfort zone. But this is okay. It makes some of my earlier stuff look so bad though. But this is how we learn.

I have to thank all the wonderful artists over at Wet Canvas for all their help. What a wonderful group of people. I feel so at home there! I have learned so much it is amazing! So much to do and so little time.

I am katsarecool on www.wetcanvas.com. Check it out!

Winning the Lotto

The Great Smokie Mountains National Park 8/28/2005

If I won the lotto the big jackpot this is what I would do and where I would live. I would build a huge house with four wings which would be guest houses; completly separate and fully equiped for each of my children, their spouses and their children to live there if they chose. All of them and their spouses would never have to work for someone else if they chose not to.

Morrow Mountain, NC 10/2005

There would be a farm where we would grow our own food, some livestock (if one of the guys wanted to handle that otherwise we would buy the meat at a grocery store lol). We would have horses; several. A paso fino for me to ride, a paso-arabian mix for my oldest grandson (he once told me that he would love a horse like that) and the other horses I would let my middle daughter choose as suitable for riding and gentleness. She has always shared my love of horses; it must be genetic.

Great Smokie Mountains National Park 8/28/2005
There would be a river running through the property (at least 100 acres with the house sitting in the middle of the property for privacy) that we could use to manufacture electricity if we wanted to. The house would be solar powered for the most part. It would have all modern appliances though. My oldest daughter and her husband would be the chefs as they are awesome when it comes to preparing healthy and delicious meals. I would appoint my son to washing dishes each night, groundskeeper/landscaper. He loves working outside but needs to do some indoor chores he considers women's work. Heh heh!

Great Smokies Cade's Cove 8/28/2005

This is what we would see when we woke up each day. There would be graded paths winding through the homestead where I could take my seven grandchildren out to explore nature. We would have a huge English style cottage garden surrouding the house and another meditation garden in the natural areas with wooden benches and statues of ancient goddesses around to watch over us. We would also have a geometric herbal garden for use in cooking and herbal remedies.

Up on the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooking the Biltmore Hotel 2004

This is what I envision too, the homestead surrounded by split rail fence and views like that from every part of the property; as we would live almost above the tree line to get these views.

Clingman's Dome In The Smokies 8/30/2005

There would also be a artist studio on the property with skylights in the ceiling and a portion of the walls would be of glass. It would be set up with several working areas complete with easels and supplies. I am not the only artist in this family.
My daughters and I could homeschool the kids if we wanted to. And when they graduated from college we could send them off on a Grand Tour of Europe.

The Great Smokie Mountains National Park 8/28/2005

Cade's Cove

Family means a lot to me. I sometimes fantasize about this kind of life; living close to my children and their families. Each of us having our own separate quarters with individual entrances for privacy. All the family in the main kitchen preparing meals together and eating in the dining room as much as possible. My girls and I are a hoot when we get together too cook. It has been awhile since I participated in this activity. Most of the time when they come here and are preparing meals I am sleeping in my room.

I know that if I lived close by my family I would have a lot more energy and enthusiasm for life. It is very hard to make it day to day alone now. I do it. But there is not much joy in it. I think my pain level would drop significantly; having my family and the kids around.

There would be a tree house like my oldest daughter has at her house. I love climbing up there to be with the kids. We have had some great talks in that tree house. I came out to the two oldest grandchildren up in that fort. They always feel as if they can talk with me openly ever since they were small. Some of the things they have said almost made me wet my pants on numerous occasions. Out of the mouths of babes is right on.

My oldest grandson said to me when I came out to him, "Grandma Cookie, it does not matter who you chose to love. The important thing is that you choose to love and that someone loves you." He was 9 (I think) at the time and much wiser than many so-called adults. I think he would make an excellent president.

NewFound Gap TN 8/30/2005

Works In Progress

This is 9x11 colored Prisma pencils^& India ink done on 120 lb water color paper

Kitty Librarian~8x10 done in graphite pencils on 120 lb drawing paper

Prima Ballerina~9x11 140 lb watercolor paper in Prang colored pencils & India ink

Audrey Hepburn~reference Royalty Free Stock Photo done on 120 lb drawing paper with Graphite artists pencils

Sensuality of Women

9x5 Colored pencils on heavy drawing paper completed 9/27/2006

The Belly Dancer Colored Artist Pencils on Watercolor Paper 11x5 Completed 9/20/2005

Still Life~Flowers & Gardens

Garden Path In New Orleans
Cat Resting on a Garden Path

Abstract Iris Garden Path 2003

Portraits of Famous Persons

Mable Mercer 2006

Marilyn Monroe 2006

Frida Kahlo & Tango Dancing Partner 2006

Sale pending

Frida Kahlo 2006

Orignial is not for sale. Prints are available upon request.

Masques of Mardi Gras

These masks are all done in water colors on heavy drawing paper and measure about 8x10. The first one actual features are attached to the painting.

Colombia South America

Town Square in Cartagena, Colombia 10x8 Colored Artist Pencils on Watercolor Paper Completed 9/18/2006

Snow Capped Mountains in the Andies 1993 Watercolors & black ink 8x11
Black & White Street in Cartagena 2001 Pencil sketch

Colorful Street in Cartagena 2001 Artist crayons & black ink

Fort in Cartagena 2005 Artist crayons, watercolors & black ink 12x12
Black & White Street in Cali, Colombia 1999 Black ink 8x11

Artist Retreat in Cali, Colombia 1995 Watercolors, artist pencils and black ink 8x11

Traveled alone to Bogota in 1992 and loved this country and the people who were so outgoing, polite and friendly.

Still Life

Cobalt Blue & Yellow 2006

Ylang Ylang 2006

Water Lillies 2006

Container Garden 2005

Cat Hiding in Garden Abstract

Garden Painting Thumbnail View~Given as a gift

Garden Painting Thumbnail View~Given as a gift

Puerto Rico

El Morrow 2005

El Morrow #2 2005

Walk of Princessa in Puerto Rico 2002

Church in Puerto Rico 2002

Isla Del Encanto~I vacationed there in March of 1993; by myself. My hotel was not far from Viejo San Juan but I enjoyed riding the bus. I took way too many photos though.

New Orleans Paintings/Drawings

Green Cafe 2005

Pirates Alley 1999

Cafe Du Monde 2005

Flowered Balcony 2005

Blue School 2006

Purple Fountain 2004

St. Louis Cemetry 2006

Voodoo Garden 2006

Store on Royal Street 2006

Fountain In French Quarter 2006

Houses in French Quarter 2006

St. Louis Cathedral 2005

Garden in Garden District 2006


Autumn in the Garden District 2005

Spring in the Garden District 2004

More of The Family:

Another picture of Midnight; yawning.

Midnight, the old gentleman of the house.

My siblings and I in 1966.

My youngest grandson who is 7 months old. That is the oldest cat in the house. Midnight who is 7. He adores babies and kids.

My youngest grand-daughter who is now 3.

There are three more grandchildren who recently became part of this family. I need to upload some photos of them so they can be here too. If I had known being a grandmother was to be this much fun I would have skipped the first step. I get such a kick out of the things they say and try not to laugh when they are saying something they really should not be saying. I can't help it. I did the same thing with my kids when they werre small. Kids are fantastic and have a wonderful outlook on life.

A Mom & Her Family:

My oldest grand-daughter and me! I love you too precious girl!

My oldest grandson reading at two. Darling don't hate me for posting this. No one will know you but us. I loveeeeeeeeee you M!

My kids in 1981. Now they are all in their 30's. They are playing with three boxer pups; not ours.

My son with a case of measles his sisters painted on him with my lipstick. This is so small you can barely see it but I have the original and will change this. You have got to see the expression on his face. :)

My girls pre-school in their Easter outfits.Their Momma made them. :)

These are some photos of my kids and grandkids when they were young, very young. I want to protect their identies so am not posting current photos. You will have to trust me; they are all very good looking people as well as wonderful, nice, smart, awesome, loving, caring, intelligent, funny, cute, you get the picture. I am partial to them all.

Cat Activity Blankets

Zen Kitties with Pink Catnip Pouch, Beads and Bells with Toys

Baby Blue Blankie with Stars, Bells, Ribbons and Teddy Bear

Baby Blue Blankie with Pink Catnip Pouch

Hearty Pink Blankie

These blankets were a lot of fun to create. They all have cat toys sewn on them as well as feathers, beads, bells and some have cat nip pouches; cat nip included. These are not suitable for small children to play with.

I have tried to make sure they are all cat proof if there is such a thing. I know cats love them as I have three cats and were constantly fighting with them to keep the blanket in MY lap. When I left the room though they had stolen a blanket and was caught in the act of napping on one. Midnight, my oldest guy was the worst thief and the most stubborn.

They are for sale and priced at $20 each not including postage. You may reach me at n_ceballos2000@yahoo.com.

Old Pencil Drawings

Well this would be Prince!

These are not for sale. They were drawn in the late 60's, 70's and early 80's using paper and pencils I borrowed from my children. My oldest daughter told me today she remembers all of these from when she was a child.

Female Nudes

Nude in Striped Chair 9x7 Done on Watercolor Paper with Colored Artist Pencils Completed 9/26/2006

Woman in the 1920's

All of these pieces are done in pencil, gel pen, black ink, watercolors, colored pencils, artist crayons and/or acrylics. They all measure 5x7, 8x10 or 9x11 and are priced accordingly. If you are interested you may email me at n_ceballos2000@yahoo.com.

Celtic Knot Art:

Celtic Tiger

6x6 done on colored drawing paper in gel pens and black ink.

"Blessed Be" is done on colored drawing paper and is 5x7 medium is watercolors, gel pens and black ink.

Celtic Eagle

This one is done on colored drawing paper is 8x4 and worked in watercolors and black ink.

This one is 3x6 and done in gel pens and crayons.

3.5x6 on water color paper and done with gel pen, black ink and water colors.

This has been a challenge to draw these knots and paint them and end up at the beginning where you are supposed to be. Anyone who has ever drawn celtic knots will get that. :) But it is fun and I enjoy the challenge. More pieces ended up in the trash than I have completed.

The Celtic Horse is 3x4 done on water color paper in gel pens, black ink and water colors. It has been sold.

Painted River Rocks

These rocks were "borrowed" from the private land of a friend from Sylva, NC. And that day, the three of us had a blast collecting them from up near Cold Mountain. The river rocks have two coats of clear sealer and each are palm size.

Native American River Rock

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Gaia

Painted Clay Pots

Pink Abstract Pot


White Kitties Playing on Pink

Underwater Blues

Butterflies are Free

Blessed Be

The painted clay pots prices ranges from 7 to 15 Dollars. There are three different sizes. All are painted white on the inside and there are two coats of clear sealer over the entire pot. I can also do custom painted pots; just provide me with a photo and it is yours. As with all clay pots, bring them inside during cold weather they can crack.

Expectant Mothers in Yoga Poses

Pregnant woman doing yoga

North & South Carolina Landscapes

Clingman's Dome, NC 8x11 watercolor and black ink

Charleston, SC 2006

Blue Ridge Pwky Over the French Broad River 2005

Returning from Pigeon Forge 2005

I know this will need to be edited if I am to use it as a catalog to sell this art. I am just loading up my pieces here and will worry about it later. Typical Pisces attitude. "Tomorrow I'll worry about it tomorrow."

Here Kitty Kitty

Black Cat Dreaming 5x7 watercolor

Brown Cat on Blue Satin Pillow

Abstract Pink & Blue Cat

British Short Hair Cat

Black Cat Abstract

Gypsy
Midnight
Frankie's Portrait
Abstact Long Haired Kitty
Black Kitty Sittin' on the Garden Patio
Gypsy Raiding the Refrigerator

Frankie Napping in His Basket

Midnight Lying In Pansies

More Women In Yoga Poses:

Salutation Pose 9x11 Artist Pencil on Card Stock Completed 9/26/2006
Plough Pose 2006 Ink drawing 8x11 on heavy drawing paper

This is an 11x14 watercolor on watercolor paper and done in watercolors and colored artist pencils and india ink. This one has sold.

8x10 watercolors on acid free water color paper. This one is mounted and ready for sale. I have completed this one since it was scanned.

I love this pose but I won't ever see me doing it. This one is done with colored felt tip artist pens and crayons on acid free watercolor paper. It is 6x8 inches.

Unless specified otherwise, most of these pieces of art measure 8x10 to 9x12. are done on heavy drawing or watercolor paper, media is watercolors, gel pens, artist pencils/crayons and black ink.

Women In Yoga Poses:

This is a series that I have been working on since last winter. I am knocking them out but taking too much time getting them mounted. Got to get to it. Some of these I really love. All of these pieces, except the black and white cobra pose are 8x10 inches. They are done in watercolors, gel pens and india ink. The black and white cobra is done in pencil; graphite, rendering and dark shade. It measures about 8x4 inches. I have been interested in Yoga since my late teens. It is a wonderful form of exercise and it leaves the body stress free and limber. Coordinating it with meditation enhances Yoga. Yin Yoga is a slightly different form. It uses most of the same poses but these poses can be held for 3 to 5 minutes. It is used to stretch the fascia and tendons.

Full Boat Pose

Hero Pose

Sitting Side Twist Pose

Lotus Pose

Cobra Pose

Cobra Pose

Childs Pose

My favorite for stretching out sore and stiff muscles in the back.

Bridge Pose

First Posting to My Art Blog:

This piece is a fountain painted from a photo I took while on vacation to New Orleans in October of 1999. It is featured in the on line site of The American Pain Foundation. And it is for sale. It is 8x10, done on acid free water color paper and the medium is watercolors and black ink.

I am a self-taught artist and I began drawing and painting when in first or second grade. My mother saved a piece from back then and I am going to scan it and post it on this blog.

Mostly I used to love drawing. I did dabble in acrylics, oils and watercolors and succeeded in making a muddy mess. Artist will know exactly what I did wrong. LOL

So here are some pieces that I have been working on. All are a work in progress. I keep seeing things in them that need some more work. But I hope to begin selling some of them soon in my daughter's store on EBay.
Some of this artwork I have saved and scanned are from twenty or thirty years ago. I raised three children so there was not much time for artwork when they were small. The earlier pieces here were done on the children's tablets I bought them for school and I "borrowed" their # 2 pencils too. I was thrilled when the kids got older, I made more money and I could actually go to an art store and by artists "real" pencils and supplies. I hit the big time.