Seeing Double....Not Quite

So my last blog post from Saturday, I shared about this particular sketch I was working on that included  two bluebirds and a nest.  I included this photo that showed examples of how I would scan and then print out copies of incompletely sketches so that I could have a opportunity to experiment with different backgrounds and colors.  Yesterday, I went on printed one more copy out of my artwork but this time I printed it on my nice Bristol, acid free art paper and used the good printer.  I then finished the pen work on the incomplete nest on both the original and the copy.  Last night I began coloring them in using my colored pencils.

Original Artwork- "Nesting Bluebirds"

One original with realistic tiny blue eggs in the nest and a second original with 2 small red hearts.  My plan for the second piece that has hearts in the nest is to be able to use it as a gift for weddings and anniversaries.  I can customize it by lightly adding initials or names to each heart to make each piece of art personal and unique.  I will also hand embellish each piece to maximize the contrast and color.

What a great artcard or small print to give someone as a gift to mark that special day.

Original Artwork- "Love Birds"

June is almost upon us and June has always been considered the wedding month so there are plenty of weddings and anniversaries for all of us to remember.  If you are interested in ordering a matted original customized artwork from me, just send me an email message.

My prices for all my art cards are $5 each, 5 x 7 (matted to 8 x 10) are $25 and 8 x 10 (matted to 11 x 14) are $45 + shipping.  Message me if you are interested in putting in an order.

This past month I have been trying to write a little poem for each of my pieces of artwork and so I started playing around with a couple of verses about bluebirds.  Here is one of the rough drafts so far.  

Good Morning Mr. Bluebird

             By

     Julie Townsend

You are a wee little bird all soft and fluffy

I'm in love with your bright orange belly all puffy 

And your azure blue feathers are far from stuffy

Sitting there singing in my tree all huffy

I could sit in this chair and watch you all day

Please, oh please don't fly away

For just a little longer won't you stay

Because watching you is pure joy I say

New Custom Cowbell Design

I just wanted to show off several new hand-painted cowbells that I have completed in the past few weeks.  I'm rather excited about these new feathered friends and how they have turned out.  I've actually painting my 3rd eagle cowbell in the studio right now.  It is turning out to be one of my more popular designs and who can resist a spunky little hummingbird?  

The Nativity scene and the Cardinals are a bit more challenging but they are SO perfect for the Christmas Holiday.  

You can see some other Cowbell examples on my website gallery on the tab  Cowbells & Country Store.  The pricing and ordering information is listed there too.

2015 Cowbell Marathon is Going Down Now

I have boldly announced this week over several social media venues that I am committing to painting at least one cowbell a day from my Las Vegas studio for the next two weeks. That's everyday until Thanksgiving.   I'm calling this self imposed proclamation my COWBELL MARATHON!  These are my most recent contributions to this effort and I think they turned out nicely.  

Actually, the only bell showing in this line up here that isn't already sold is that of the hummingbird that I just finished a few hours ago.  So much for building up my Cowbell Inventory.  I guess this is a good problem for me to have. 

I plan to blog here about this endeavor often and keep my Facebook Art Page updated as to my progress.  So check back often and if you see something special you like or have an idea for a custom bell that you want me to paint than just drop me an email or a Facebook Message.  I would love to hear from you.

CLICK THE LINK HERE TO:

Visit my Website     OR      Like my Facebook ART Page   

Commissioned pieces here are the Eagle and Giraffes.  The Nativity scene was just me getting ready for Christmas

I added a snowy cardinal and a little hummingbird to my cowbell flock of feathered friends line-up

More Cowbells!

I am so happy that I received word this morning from one of my cowbell collectors in Columbia Falls, Montana that these newest custom ordered cowbells are exactly what she had in mind.  With custom orders, you always have to worry that there might just be something they don't like or want changed.  Not the case with this order and so I'm going to be finishing these bells up with a coat of varnish and get them ready to put in a shipping box so they are ready to mail later this week.  

I am so blessed to have people who appreciate my artwork.  A quote from the collector herself just this morning says it all.  "I more than LOVE them Julie, I treasure your "souls" work ! You sing through your paintings and my special room is coming together quite nicely with your BELLS as my signature pieces! Such a peaceful place to be, am loving it, will send you photos when complete! Thank you once again for all your work and effort, I truly appreciate you! Love from Montana, Big Sky Country! Gateway to Glacier National Park! "

These make great gifts and are an affordable way to give art.  If you are interested in having a unique creation of your own, just contact me and I would be happy to discuss the design you have in mind.  I ship them anywhere in the continental US for only $65!

If you are interested in seeing my other works, please check out my website at JulieTownsendStudio.com

Hand Painted Cowbells

Cowbell Stampeed!

It has been a Cowbell Frenzy in my Las Vegas Studio the past few days.  It started out with a request for a commission piece of a horse for the daughter of my cousin and then several additional orders were then requested.  I ended up almost finishing my 7th bell yesterday and I am happy to report that they are all sold!  I continue to be amazed and blessed at the popularity of these small pieces of art.  

I've pulled out 4 of my USPS medium rate shipping boxes and it is now time to get my assembly line shipping process in full swing.  I have (2) double orders and this box is perfect because I can ship 2 bells in the box for the same cost.  I have established an account with USPS and can order these free boxes in larger quantities to be delivered directly to my home.  I don't have to visit the local post office and hope they have enough boxes for me.  

Another great tool I have found just recently is invoicing on Paypal.  All I need is an email address and I can invoice the collector and they have the convenience of paying with a credit card.  The small fee that Paypal charges is well worth the convenience and security for me.  No longer am I waiting for a check to arrive in the mail before I can ship off the artwork.  This has really made the process less stressful for me.  I actually woke up this morning and sent an invoice to one happy client from my iPad while still enjoying the comfort of my bed.  What a day we live in!  Paypal also allows me print out a prepaid shipping label so I don't have to wait in line at the post office to ship.  I know that I can schedule a pick-up of my boxes but haven't done that yet.  I think this might just be the right time to see how that works.

The results of a weekend of cowbell painting!

The cost to order a cowbell is $65, which includes shipping if shipped in the continental US.  A $10 additional charge may apply if you are interested in a custom design.  Just message me you are interested in placing an order.  Mother's Day is coming and they make GREAT one of a kind gifts!

Happy Little Cowbells Find a Home

This week....two of my newest cowbell creations have found a new home.  I really like how the Lavender and Black-eyed Susan flowers turned out.  I think I will paint that one on a small canvas because it was just so much fun.  There is nothing like seeing the expression on the clients face when they see the work in person for the first time and love it more than the picture you sent them.  I love to create these little works of art that not only spread joy to their new home but also make LOTS of noise!

Hand-painted one of a kind cowbells- $65 including shipping in the Continental US

For more information about my work or if you want to order your own cowbell just visit my website at JulieTownsendStudio.com  the cowbells are part of my Country Store collection or just shoot me an email at Julie@JulieTownsendStudio.com.  I would LOVE to hear from you!

Every home needs one- A COWBELL IN EVERY HOME!

Introducing the opening of my newest website feature- THE COUNTRY STORE.  I have made my ever so popular cowbells available on my website by clicking this link:  COUNTRY STORE

Right now I have 5 unique cowbell designs available but hope to expand that shortly along with other hand painted gifts.  (Please allow at least 2 weeks for me to process and get your order shipped as their popularity has been a bit overwhelming.)   These attractive but sturdy cowbells make great gifts. Custom orders (a small fee will be applied)  are considered and you can contact me to discuss the possibility of me painting something very special and unique for you.

Locally these cowbells can be seen at the following locations:
     City of the World Gallery at 1229 S. Casino Center Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89104
     Boulder City Art Gallery at 1305 Arizona Street, Boulder City, NV  89005
     Valleys Edge Country Store at 4779 W. Bell Vista Ave, Pahrump, NV  89060

Here are just 3 of my designs to choose from:

Rooster 2

Sunflower 1

Cow 1