My Private Christmas Showing

The photos shown here were taken of My Framers Holiday Window display. She regularly uses my drawings and watercolors as framing examples, which for me is like having a private showing that is changed out with the seasons.

The store front is recessed several feet from the side walk and has huge display windows. The right side is always devoted to her framing and my artwork. The back wall has a huge wreath with a 'framed' limited edition print of Mr Lincoln in the center. (difficult to see)

More of my framed work hangs on either side of the wreath and scattered throughout the side window are various prints and other small framed pieces.

She frames my work and doesn't charge me a dime until it sells. My work shows off her framing and her framing enables me to display my art. How much better can it get?

These last two photos are of the other side of her display windows...showcasing the works of the 'stitch group' that meets at her establishment each week. The display window is full of the most beautiful knitted and crocheted slippers, capes, sweaters, scarves, purses, hats....and on and on.

"Serendipity Framing and Needlework" is located in downtown Lincoln, Ill. right on the square. The wonderfully decorated windows attract much attention especially as our local movie theater is close by. You can always find people (day or night) studying the display windows, smiling and calling out...as they point out 'new finds' to their friends.

What a blessing it was when God placed Jeanie in my path. If you are ever in the vicinity, you simply must stop by her shop. Women come from quite a distance to buy her wonderful yarns and her framing, well...it's simply a work of art in itself!

___________________________________

Psalm 128:2
You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours.
Psalm 128:1-3 (in Context)

___________________________________

I'm So Excited...finially purchased a pocket camera

My new 'Pocket Camera'
_________________________

I've posed the question "which small camera" on this blog before. I have read your recommendations and researched, and looked, and pondered...what am I giving up to have a camera small enough to carry in my purse?

Saturday I took the plunge and purchased the Cannon PowerShot SX110.
Here are the things I liked about it.... 9mp, 10x zoom, manual choice of flash use, good auto modes (for quick shots), manual settings as well, and a great macro.

The 'icing on the cake'...it is only 4.4 x 2.8 x 1.8 in size...actually fits into my hand, I'm in love. A man might not consider this a true 'pocket camera'...but it will fit into a jacket pocket or perhaps a pair of dockers. As for me...in my purse, I hardly know it's there.

I have to admit, I spent most of Saturday playing with my new toy.

I have the Rebel XTi...and two 'very nice' lenses. Love this camera and I use it regularly to take photographs for commissioned portraits, still life setups, and to photograph my art. Yet, of late, it remains in my studio...just too big to keep with me all the time. I'm continually missing good photo ops.

I'm heading to NY in a couple of weeks to visit my daughter and grandson. I'm really looking forward to 'traveling light' with my new camera. I'm sure I will have more to say when I get home...for now, I'm excited with what I see.

You just gotta love technology.

...Nostalgia...
No this is not a photo of my camera.
I found this great camera sitting in a 'swap shop' a couple of years ago,
took some photos and then just looked at them for months before getting the nerve to try the drawing.
The precise detail in 'Nostalgia' was over whelming at times.

You can read more at the above link.
_____________________

My camera is still in possession of the memory card and still not giving it up...at least not willingly. If you read my last post you know the whole story.

I still haven't had time to get to get to the camera shop...and still haven't resorted to the 'hairpin'.

Most of my free time has been spent working on the commission of Mr. Lincoln. Even though my XTi wont give up the memory card...it is still willing to take photos, at least it appears to be taking photos. So I'm hoping to have some good WIP photos of these final drawing steps on Lincoln.

The commission of Lincoln is one of the largest drawings I've done. At 12x24 it is almost too large for my drawing table. I had to attach it to its own board to keep from creasing the paper.

I know there is no photo, but his jacket and shirt are just too cool. I love my carbon pencil for the deep darks...no shine, and great for showing the various shades of the fabric in his jacket.

I knew full well how important my camera was to me...but this has been really frustrating. I'm just hoping that the photos I've taken are still on the card when we get it out...and that it is possible to retrieve the memory card without damaging the card or the camera.

This experience has made me consider again...purchasing an additional camera. You know, that handy little 'point and shoot' camera I wrote about a while back. Still haven't made that purchase.

Have a good week.
Marsha

Ahhh!...for a roll of film.

...Exposures...

Carbon and Graphite on paper
__________________________________

My camera won't release the memory card...URGH *^%$(*
I spent most of the past weekend working on Mr. Lincoln. Took lots of WIP photos and planned on posting them this evening with an explanation of the process.

You Got It...they are still on the memory card and the memory card is still in the camera. I took all the usual steps to remove it...and have to admit my mind began to wonder. Being a hairdresser I found myself looking for a 'hairpin'. Thinking better of my inclination to 'dig into the problem'. My camera sits here, in full view and in full possession of the memory card...taunting me.

I hope to get out of town this week sometime to a camera shop for some assistance...a good choice I think. (much better than a hairpin) Until then, I believe the camera is going to be put into a drawer so I don't have to look at it.

Yes, I know, I could download directly to the computer...but never down load photos in this way and can't find the cord.

Just not a good evening. I hate it when this technical stuff whips me.

On a positive note. I did make good progress on Mr Lincoln...in fact could have it finished by the end of next weekend except for the usual tweaking. Hopefully by then you will also have some photos to look at.


A Parting Thought: What ever happened to the lonely roll of film?


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

The First Child of Christmas

Antique Christmas Card
...artist unknown...

My suitcase is out and clothes and gifts are being stacked around it...awaiting the final packing for my flight to New York on Christmas Day.

Christmas is a special time of the year. There is excitement and anticipation in the air. Children have sent their list to Santa and kitchens smell of cookies and breads. Decorations are in place and the tree lights twinkle in the night. Little ones and adults alike can hardly keep their hands off the presents as new ones are secretly added daily.

Family and friends gather, talking about old times. Ribbons and paper clutter the floor. Little ones run around playing with their new gifts from Santa. All the while 'new' memories are being made and new traditions are begun that will be carried on by generations to come.

In this commercialized era it's important to remember why we celebrate. To take a moment to thank God for His gift to us. To remember what it must have been like on that first glorious day when the Christ child was born. To remember the First Child of Christmas.


The First Child of Christmas
His hands were soft, small, and red,
on a crisp morning in Bethlehem...

His hands were strong, calloused, and scarred
as He fashioned a new chair for home...

His hands were confident, gentle, and firm
as He touched the sick and the lame...

His hands were broken, bleeding, and bruised
as he gave His life away...

His hands are reaching out to mankind...drawing and
beckoning,
and holding us close to the heart of God.


May you feel the touch of His Hands where ever you are this Christmas season.

Best wishes for a blessed holiday.
Marsha

Does Your Art Have Value???

...Old Glory...
Original Drawing, $655

Could you, for example, pay your bills with your art? My local news station aired this story and I chuckled in disbelief. It took some searching...but I found the complete story, and then laughed out loud!

Times are tough, money is tight...this is definitely taking 'creativity' to the next level.

I'll say no more. Read on to see how one struggling artist handled his problem of an overdue utility bill. see his correspondence with the utility company below...guaranteed to make you smile.

_________________________________

From: Jane Gilles

Date: Wednesday 8 Oct 2008 12.19pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Overdue account

Dear David,
Our records indicate that your account is overdue by the amount of $233.95. If you have already made this payment please contact us within the next 7 days to confirm payment has been applied to your account and is no longer outstanding.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Wednesday 8 Oct 2008 12.37pm
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,
I do not have any money so am sending you this drawing I did of a spider instead. I value the drawing at $233.95 so trust that this settles the matter.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 10.07am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Overdue account

Dear David,
Thank you for contacting us. Unfortunately we are unable to accept drawings as payment and your account remains in arrears of $233.95. Please contact us within the next 7 days to confirm payment has been applied to your account and is no longer outstanding.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 10.32am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,
Can I have my drawing of a spider back then please.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 11.42am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Overdue account

Dear David,
You emailed the drawing to me. Do you want me to email it back to you?

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 11.56am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Overdue account

Dear Jane,

Yes please.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Thursday 9 Oct 2008 12.14pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Overdue account

Attached

From: David Thorne
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 09.22am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Whose spider is that?

Dear Jane, Are you sure this drawing of a spider is the one I sent you? This spider only has seven legs and I do not feel I would have made such an elementary mistake when I drew it.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.03am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Whose spider is that?

Dear David, Yes it is the same drawing. I copied and pasted it from the email you sent me on the 8th. David your account is still overdue by the amount of $233.95. Please make this payment as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.05am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Automated Out of Office Response

Thank you for contacting me. I am currently away on leave, traveling through time and will be returning last week.

Regards, David.

From: David Thorne
Date: Friday 10 Oct 2008 11.08am
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Hello, I am back and have read through your emails and accept that despite missing a leg, that drawing of a spider may indeed be the one I sent you. I realize with hindsight that it is possible you rejected the drawing of a spider due to this obvious limb omission but did not point it out in an effort to avoid hurting my feelings. As such, I am sending you a revised drawing with the correct number of legs as full payment for any amount outstanding. I trust this will bring the matter to a conclusion.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Monday 13 Oct 2008 2.51pm
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Dear David, As I have stated, we do not accept drawings in lei of money for accounts outstanding. We accept cheque, bank cheque, money order or cash. Please make a payment this week to avoid incurring any additional fees.

Yours sincerely, Jane Gilles

From: David Thorne
Date: Monday 13 Oct 2008 3.17pm
To: Jane Gilles
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

I understand and will definitely make a payment this week if I remember. As you have not accepted my second drawing as payment, please return the drawing to me as soon as possible. It was silly of me to assume I could provide you with something of completely no value whatsoever, waste your time and then attach such a large amount to it.

Regards, David.

From: Jane Gilles
Date: Tuesday 14 Oct 2008 11.18am
To: David Thorne
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Whose spider is that?

Attached

________________________________________

Final Thought: My Visa bill is due next week...wonder if they would accept an Original Drawing. I could send them Old Glory...I figure it would be an over payment of $125.80. I would actually have a credit on my account.

Who knows, maybe CEO of the company owns part interest in a basketball team. What do you think?

_______________________________________________

To give credit where credit is due...I found this article on http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=665847
____________________________

Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

A Week of Silence..."Henry has been sick."

Last week was a week of events for me...not all good. My trusty computer, which I named 'Henry' when he arrived in my home almost 5 years ago, started acting up last week. Actually, there had been signs for awhile that he wasn't feeling well, but I ignored them. 'Henry' had become stubborn when searching the internet and when doing everyday tasks would frequently scream for more memory. I thought he was just being difficult.

The diagnosis, after a seeing the 'specialists', is that 'Henry' is just old and tired. The Doctor told me that 'Henry' was just maxed out and needed to be retired in favor of a new model. The 'specialist' made a few adjustments so 'Henry' could properly execute his tasks for the moment...and the new model will be arriving perhaps yet this month or soon after the first of the year.

Well....this certainly brought on decisions that I hadn't been expecting. 'Henry' and I had become good friends. We understood each other and until most recently worked well together. I don't blame 'Henry'...he's been a faithful companion these past few years, and I understand that he's old and I'm asking much more of him now than I did in his younger years.

As a result, I've had big decisions to make in a short period of time. Henry is a PC...and I plan on staying with a PC. It's been the question of what operating system to get that has caused the biggest issue. I'm currently running Windows XP and I understand support for XP will cease in 2009. Vista, as we all know has had it's issues. There is supposed to be a new Windows 7 released in a year or two...I cant wait that long.

In between Henry's visits to the Doctor we did a few Google searches on Vista vs XP. It sounds like Vista has leveled out some what and that most of the issues have been with it's use on computers that didn't have enough memory to run it properly. The consensus of the 'experts' seems to be this. If you have a good running computer, wait for the release of Windows 7. If you need to do something today...get Vista. Knowing Henry's issues, I'm not in a position to wait for the new Windows 7....urghhhh! So, I guess it's Vista.

Hope Vista works well for me...it seems to be a HATE IT or LOVE IT situation with most people in the forums I visited. I guess if I hate it, I can always step back to XP. I will keep you updated.

Enough of this...'Henry' and I are going to color correct the high resolution scan I had done of the portrait I did for my grandson so he can give prints to his family. The large format printer that I use for my fine art prints was my other issue this week. We're not even going to go there now..perhaps another time.

Today's technology is soooooooooo beyond most of us everyday people. When it works, it's BEAUTIFUL. When it has a glitch, it just makes life miserable!


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
The Extraordinary Pencil...blogspot
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a point...leave a comment

I Am The Flag...

Today is election day. Your right to vote has been earned through the death of many brave men and women over the years...don't let their death be in vain.

I encourage you...Go to the polls today and VOTE to preserve the future they fought for.

___________________________________

I AM THE FLAG . . .

am the flag of the United States of America.
My name is Old Glory.
I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I stand guard with power in the world.
Look up and see me.


I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am arrogant.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshiped I am saluted.
I am loved I am revered.
I am respected and I am feared.


I have fought in every battle of every war
for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg,
Shiloh and Appomattox.

I was there at San Juan Hill,
the trenches of France,
in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome
and the beaches of Normandy, Guam.
Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me,
I was there.

I led my troops,
I was dirty, battle-tested and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me
And I was proud.

America has been attacked by cowardly fanatics
And many lives have been lost
But those who would destroy me cannot win
For I am the symbol of freedom,
Of one nation
Under God
Indivisible
With liberty and justice for all.

I have been burned, torn and trampled
on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.


I have been soiled upon, burned, torn
and trampled on the streets of my country.
And when it's by those whom I've served in battle it hurts.
But I shall overcome for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness
to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.


When I am torn into strips and used as bandages
for my wounded comrades on the battlefield,
When I am flown at half-mast to honor my soldier,
Or when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving parent
at the grave of their fallen son or daughter,
I am proud.

MY NAME IS OLD GLORY
LONG MAY I WAVE.

New Found Knowledge...

As you know I recently decided to add PayPal to my website and blog...

Well, at least in a round-about discreet way. I still haven't scummed to the big orange and blue 'PayPal Buy Now Buttons'...but the PayPal process has been fully implemented.

I had previously put considerable thought into how I was going to display my art on my blog and the topics I would associate with each piece in order to make them easy for the consumer to find. Now that I'm using PayPal this became even more important to me. After all...the reason for adding PayPal was to make purchasing easier.

Prior to adding the 'Buy Now' option I had considered the categories or topics I would use for my art with the idea that someday I may want to also show my watercolors. This was my thought process...

• I chose the main topic of "The Story Behind the Image" to group all my art together. I posted a photo of the drawing and told a little about the image itself and the process I used.
• I then broke this out into sup-topics for those who might only be interested in "Still Life" or "Portraits" for example.
• I took this one more step and added "Pencil Drawings" as a topic...since that is the medium I'm working in now, (Watercolor is listed also) but only has some books listed at the moment". Hopefully there will be some actual art shown under this topic in the future.
• So...each piece of art, (except those used in other articles), is listed under three topics...The Story Behind the Image, the medium used, and subject.
  

This was all working quite well...seemed organized and easy for the viewer to find what they wanted to know more about. NOW comes along PayPal!!

I'm using the same 'Topics' as before...just adding the price and the Buy Now feature. I realized that I had almost 20 entries in "The Story Behind the Image" without the new 'Buy Now' feature available. Well...with me being "Miss Organization", this just wasn't going to do!

So I had a brain storm...I would periodically pull up one of the previous posts and add the 'Buy Now' information, change the date, and repost it as NEW.

Well, I'm here to tell you that this won't work. You can update the information and change the date...and it will post again on your blog as a NEW current post. The catch is this...it will not appear in your Google Reader and I don't believe your email subscribers will be notified. Changing the date does not make Blogger recognize this post as new.

The only way you could do this is to Copy and Paste the new updated text into a new post and delete the old one. This would be OK if there were no comments....you never want to loose the comments as they are incoming links for your readers who took the time to leave their thoughts.

__________________________

Final Thoughts: I guess I will just update each entry under "The Story Behind the Image" topic with the 'PayPal' information and leave it as is. I had looked at this as a good way to periodically pull up an older posted piece of art and put it in front of the consumer again.

If I come up with a better way to do this I will certainly let you know. Would love to hear your thoughts and ideas.


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Tooting My Horn...I won BEST OF SHOW!

Had a wonderful art fair this weekend in Decatur, Illinois. It was a beautiful ending to a somewhat trying outdoor show season.

I was awarded BEST OF SHOW...how great can it get. This art fair has quite a large number of really good artists and a wide range of mediums...so for "pencil" to even be considered is an honor...and it comes with $$.

The weather was great and so were the sales...a perfect show.

So Now...it's time to reclaim my van as a real "passenger vehicle". One corner of my screened in porch turns into a storage area...I guess one would have to call it a trade off. I will be clearing out the van sometime this week, standing all the tent poles on my screened in porch along with the cart and other "tent" necessities.

Every time I make this change for some reason it reminds me of putting away the Christmas decorations each year!

Thanks to all for following my trials and tribulations at the art fairs this season. I hope I didn't complain too much...I do enjoy them, they have just become more work as I've gotten older. You know...the limitations that age brings on.

It was as a whole a profitable season...for this I'm happy. With the economy, it could have been much worse. It was the weather that threw a clink in things this year. Just too much RAIN...and too many BAD STORMS.

Thanks again for all your encouraging posts on my blog and the wonderful emails. I so appreciated them all.

And again...WHAT A WONDERFUL ENDING!


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Brillante Weblog Award

We get wrapped up in our busy lives...and "busy", I have certainly been these last two months. There have been times when I was sure I was going to be unable to meet my deadlines and many things have had to be laid aside in order to relieve some of the pressure.

I'm honored to announce that I've received the "Brillante Weblog Award" from three fellow Artists and Bloggers during July and August. Although I accepted them in a timely fashion, I'm embarrassed to say that I'm just getting around to acknowledging and passing it on to other deserving artists and bloggers.

I first want to say THANK YOU to the three inspiring artists and bloggers who thought enough of my words and my art to honor me with the Brillante Weblog Award. Be sure to visit their sites...grab a cup of coffee and plan on spending some time browsing.

• Jeanette Dobson, author of the Illustrated Life
• Dee Overly, author of Dee's Art Journal
• Karen Hargett, author of Karen Hargett's Fine Art Journal

Now to pass this award on to some of my favorite "daily reads". I'm sure you will find the blogs listed below to be both inspiring and informational. They post regularly, sharing their art, their thoughts, and their daily lives. Enjoy

• Sue Smith...Ancient Artist
• Diane Mize...Diane Mize: Bagatelles and Meanderings
• Angela Fehr...Angela Fehr: Painting Simplicity
• Terry Rafferty...Terry Rafferty: Paintings and Drawings
• Jennifer Bellinger...Jennefer Bellinger Studio
• Theresa Miller...Theresa Miller Watercolors
  
• Marilyn Moore...Marilyn Moore's Brush with Paint
  

All awards have their rules...the "Brilliant Weblog Award" is no exception.
I'm excited to pass this award on. You are all truly "Brilliant" artists and bloggers.

Rules of Acceptance:

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link the the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.
6. Participation is entirely voluntary (of course!).
7. Have fun...honoring the bloggers who inspire you regularly.

CONGRATULATIONS...to a fine group of artists who inspire me to be better.



Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

Arte y Pico Award

In mid July I was honored to discover that Deborah O'Sullivan of Art of the Horse had found my site worthy of the Arte y Pico Award. I'm a little behind in announcing this award and passing it on...but never let this reflect on the honor I felt at receiving it.

I'm passing this award along to five other artist blogs that inspire and enrich my life daily with their art and their philosophy. If you're not familiar with them...get a cup of coffee and prepare for a beautiful interlude. They will please the eye and tease the mind.

It was difficult to choose just five...you had better get that cup of coffee and prepare to sit a spell!
Marlyn Moore's Brush with Paint
Karen Harget's Fine Art Journal
Holly Bedrosian Fine Art
Angela Fehr-Painting Simplicity
The Flat Sound of Wooden Clogs

FYI...The Origin of The Art y Pico Award and Rules if you choose to accept.
You might be interested in the origin of the "Art y Pico Award" The designer of the award puts it like this..."The Arte y Pico Award has arisen from the daily visits that I make to many blogs which nourish and enrich me with creativity. In them, I see dedication, creativity, care, comradeship, but mainly, ART, much art. I want to share this prize with all those bloggers that entertain and enrich me day to day. Doubtlessly, there are many and it will be hard to pick just a few.

The Rules:
1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award through creativity, design, interesting material, and also contributes to the blogger community, no matter of language.
2. Each award should have the name of the author with a link to their blog.
3. Award winners have to post the award with the name and link to the blog of the person who gave them the award.
4. Show these rules and the paragraph (above) explaining the awards origination.

Thank you again Deborah for considering my art, my thoughts, and my blog worthy...it's an honor.

Sincerely,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques

PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment

The Extraordinary Pencil was held Hostage by Blogger!!

...Until Google Blogger changes their ways...
We are all "on Thin Ice"

My blog here on Google Blogger was shut down as SPAM on Friday April 18, 2008 and just released today, Tuesday the 22nd. I know it's hard to understand why...I don't know why! I received no notice from Blogger that there was an issue and nothing telling me I had been shut down or any reason for it.

There was an "extra code" below the "publish post" button on Saturday as I was trying to write. From what I was able to learn from others...Blogger is saying their automatic system flags a blog "suspected as spam" and shuts it down immediately. The blog them remains locked until someone on their staff gets around to reviewing it and realizes that it is NOT a SPAM BLOG!

I read somewhere that there are apparently crooks out there who create blogs using an aggregate robot to steal content from legitimate sites (like mine) and they post a bunch of ads on it attracting people using keywords to lure them in. These are the SPAM BLOGS...and Blogger needs to find a better way to deal with the problem...without punishing the innocent!!

It's just wrong for Blogger to flag and shut down a "suspected blog"...before they even look at it. This is STEALING. In my case as I am sure it is with most...one quick look would have let them know that I was not spam!! (Blogger needs to Flag, Look, and then Shut Down the guilty...not penalize the innocent by shutting down ALL the "suspected" offenders!!)

BUT NO!!...instead they flagged and immediately shut me down for 5 days! During this time you could read The Extraordinary Pencil and make a comment, but I could not post your comment or respond or write and post anything. Had they not finally taken time to look at it...my blog could have sat there inactive and died a slow death.

For some this unwarranted shutdown has gone on for weeks...and others have been shutdown again after being released once! It's a SCARY situation...I still can't believe they have the right to do this. I will forever feel my blog is vulnerable to another shut down...they have destroyed all my trust.

I sent a "newsletter blast" from my Website on Sunday and some personal appeals to others by email on Monday....and want to say a huge THANK YOU to all who logged into Blogger's Help Forum and posted a plea on my behalf. It was the power of many...I don't think they wanted to see that post grow any bigger. I know this is why my blog has been released. Others (some I've looked at) are innocent and still shut down.

I apologize if this sounds like a rough post...But I'm still angry and it's going to take some time to get past this experience. Blogger shut me down without any explanation as to why, and reinstated me without a word...(no gees we're sorry, no here's what the issues were, no nothing)! Because I don't know what triggered the shut down, I sit here today feeling extremely vulnerable to a repeat episode.

If you want to read who these bloggers are begging for help...Click the link and view either Publishing Trouble or Login Issues. There is page after page full of frustrated innocent bloggers.

You know only the innocent would complain...the guilty just go somewhere else and set up another Spam Blog!

This is a warning...it could happen to you...Blogger needs to know we disapprove of the unjust methods they are using to weed out Spam Blogs. The only way to contact Blogger is through their forums....If you have an opinion, I'd say let them know.

Blogger is running a program that "flags" suspect blogs and shuts them down without a review. Every blog is presumed guilty until proven innocent...This process will continue as their method of weeding out the Spam Blogs!

If enough people complain about their unjust methods...Perhaps they will change their ways before your blog gets caught up in this mess.

Enough #!%)...On a Positive Note, I was so blessed by all of you who went to battle for me...I do believe that had it not been for you, I would still be shut down.

In closing...I would have to say that we never know how truly vulnerable we are, nor how much others care.

Thank You for being there,
Marsha


Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment.

Tooting My Horn

The Clubs
learn more about this drawing

As artists we all struggle to let the world know of our work and our talent...the move forward is slow and difficult. Yet every once in awhile someone does see and responds. Bet at Mighty Art Demos was one of those people...Thank You

________________________________

I'm excited... Mighty Art Demos has picked up my Still Life Tutorial on The Clubs. The WIP photos for this tutorial were taken before I purchased my good camera and we've been working the last couple of days cleaning up my photography. They were even able to salvage a photo that I had decided not to use.

They were great to work with and my tutorial looks wonderful, very professionally presented...yes, you could say my buttons are popping!



Links:
Website ...Marsha Robinett Fine Art
My Squidoo ...Drawing Techniques
Mighty Art Demos...The Clubs, still life tutorial


PS...make a "Point"...leave a comment.

The Blue Man Group....what a treat!

My New York trip was wonderful. My flight out was perfect, the flight home...we just won't talk about this! While I was there we simply enjoyed each others company. I ate until I thought I would pop, laughed until I hurt, and my daughter and I stayed up late talking like teenagers!
My grandson introduced me to the world of video games, patiently teaching me to move a marble through a precarious course of curves, jumps, and sudden drops...the latter resulting in the need to "start over", which happened often.

On Sunday we took the train into the Manhattan to see the "Blue Man Group". The Blue Man Group is a creative organization started by Phil Stanton, Chris Wink, and Matt Goldman; the performance is centered on a trio of mute performers, called Blue Men, who present themselves in blue grease paint and wear latex bald caps, face coverings, and black clothing. Blue Man Group's theatrical acts have evolved over the years but always incorporate rock music (with an emphasis on percussion), odd props, audience participation, sophisticated lighting, and huge amounts of paper!

The first 4 to 6 rows of the theater are known as the "poncho section". Audience members are provided with plastic ponchos in order to protect them from various food, paint, and and other substances, which get thrown, ejected, or sprayed from the stage. The show was family-oriented, humorous, energetic and employed thought-provoking satire on modern life.

I had some idea of what to expect yet was amazed by the multi-sensory experience that combined theater, percussion music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that was like nothing else I had ever seen....a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Leaving for New York!

I'm headed for New York in a couple of days for a much anticipated visit with my daughter and grandson. They live on Long Island...about three blocks from the water. When the wind is in the right direction I swear you can smell the ocean!

On my last visit in mid November the weather was really mild and we went to the beach and fed the seagulls...quite an experience. The seagulls are accustomed to being fed and if you stand still will actually take the bread from your hand. There are so many at times that it makes one think of the movie "The Birds"!

In the photo above you can see the seagulls swarming in to grab the bread that Teddy has in his hand. These are huge birds! The second photo shows you what they looked like to Teddy as they swarmed down to take the bread. It was a fun afternoon but not without its consequences.


We had parked close to the beach and you know the old saying "what goes in must come out"...well let me tell you it's true! Our car was covered with bird *^%#!

We have tickets to see "The Blue Man Group" this trip. Going to take a train into the city...always a treat for us country folk. We're going to have brunch and then see the play. I'll tell you more when I get back. (no birds this trip)

My daughter is a professional chef, so my other treat is always her wonderful meals...my clothes never fit quite as well going home!

I will be gone until around the 19th...wish me a good flight.

New Tutorials, comming soon

I am in the process of transferring the tutorial section from my Studio Journal to The Extraordinary Pencil...Blogspot, where you are now. When the move is complete my drawing tutorials will all be here in one place

This move could take a little time to complete. So...if you just can't wait, click on the link above and it will take you to my website where you will see WIP's listed under the topics section on the lower left. Take a look and let me know what you think!

Thank You...for your patience.



PS...make a "Point"...post a comment.

November Update:

The Show Season Ends...
I had a two day private showing of my work this past weekend in my home town...a nice way to finish my show season. It is always great to to come home for my last show. Everyone is glad to see me and anxious to hear how my art fairs went. It is more of a social time than a time to sell, however, I did book two commissions. I usually plan to work on a piece while I'm there...everyone seems to enjoy this, but I never get much actual drawing done. A special thanks to everyone who stopped in.

Off to New York: I am presently visiting my daughter and grandson in New York; I flew out on Monday and will be staying through Thanksgiving, flying back late the next week. I have been looking forward to this trip. My show season is long and I hate it that we see so little of each other. It is just hard having your children so far away. We are having a great time...going to celebrate Thanksgiving on Tuesday as my daughter, "the chef", has to work on the holiday.

When I return home I will be finishing my commissioned pieces for Christmas and after the holidays will start on some new works of my own. I have more ideas in my head than I will ever be able do get done...but excited none the less. Now that I am no longer traveling every weekend perhaps I can be more attentive to my blog. It has been neglected the last few months and I apologize for this.

Thanks so much for your encouragement and support,
Marsha

PS...make a "Point"...post a comment.

New Additions to my Website

I have been hard at work since my last newsletter making some changes to my website. My art career has taken on a new life and I am really excited about the new direction that I am moving in. I have been preparing to approach galleries in some of the larger cities in my area, in hopes that they will carry some of my originals and possibly some of my Limited Editions and Artist Proofs. I still have to have slides made of some of my newer drawings, as they require you to jury in order to be accepted. Then I'm off to "peddle my wares". When you visit my site you will notice that there have been several changes made.

"About the Artist" has a new look...I have reorganized the information and eliminated some in order to hopefully make it easier to find what you are most interested in.

The "Commissions" category also has a new look... as with the some other areas, I have condensed and organized information in the hopes of making it more user friendly.

Under "About the Artwork", I have answered some of my most asked questions.
1. Open and Limited Editions...what is the difference?
2. What is an Artist Proof?
3. What is a Certificate of Authenticity?
4. What is a Remarque...will it increase the value of my print?

In my "Portfolio of Works," you will notice many changes also. After much thought I have closed out some of my Limited Editions. If you have purchased one of these closed out LE's...hang on to it. If I ever become another "Grandma Moses" it will be of great value! The premature closing of these editions make them a "very small and rare edition" indeed. Thus increasing their value. You will also notice that a few of my drawings are now offered in "Open Edition" prints....most are offered in two sizes.

**The "Regular Size OE" is similar in size to the original drawing.
**The "Large Size OE" is more in the 11x11 to 11x15 size range.

This Larger Open Edition has been the single most requested item by far...so here it is, I hope you enjoy it. I am quite pleased with the quality and size of this new larger print. The price on both of the new Open Editions are considerably lower than my Limited Editions... making them more affordable for those of you who simply want to decorate your home. I do understand that not everyone is a collector!

I want to personally say thanks for all your support and encouragement as I've gone forward in this new career. You're simply the best.

Marsha


PS...make a "Point"...post a comment.

Print of the Month...update

Rack'em Up
This is the new "large Open Edition"...11x13
Cost...$39.00
Free Shipping!!
A savings of $8.50 for US customers,
or $13.50 for orders shipped overseas.

This offer is good until midnight November 30, 2007
and is now exclusive to my "Email Newsgroup"

I've been offering "The Print of the Month" for some time now...each month I would notify my email newsgroup of the current months offering and then post it on my website, making it available to everyone.

Starting in November the Print of the Month will be exclusive to my Email Newsgroup. Each month's newsletter will have a new print offering and as in the past you will be able to purchase it at a considerable savings. I may occasionally offer a Limited Edition, but for the most part the monthly print will be one of my new Open Editions. The "Print of the Month" will be available until the current month ends. I may even sometimes surprise you with a mid-month "tickler"...who knows.

Join Now...don't miss another issue

I will still announce the current months print on my website, just to let them know what they are missing and encourage them to join the Newsletter Group...but those of you who are current members of my "Newsgroup" are the only ones who will be eligible to purchase.