Under the Sea Swap

I am really excited about the Under the Sea Swap hosted by the fablulously creative Zan. Since I have only been creating art dolls since February, this is my first swap. I haven't figured out how to add the little signs (?) to the side of my page, but you can check it out at http://wildatheart.blogspot.com/. I have been looking at some of the artist who are participating and their work is excellent. There is still time to enter this swap and it looks like great fun. There are a few rules for the swap, one being size limitation. I made my first doll and she was way too big. (You can see her on the right.)So I am making another one that is just about the right size. She is completely different, but in the same style. I will be posting my first attempt on my etsy site http://dellaraedezines.etsy.com/ Once I start to work on one of my dolls I don't want to stop. I will look at the clock and it will be two in the morning and I get up at 5:30. I just get so carried away and forget that I need to sleep. I am an elementary art teacher and I have been sharing some of my dolls with my students. You can't imagine some of the comments you get from children between the ages of 5-11. They really tell you what they think. They are wonderful critics.

Raedell's Big Boy Toy (Inspired by Tony)

Tony's Inspiring Art

Beginning

Tonight is the beginning of a new experience for me....writing a blog. I never dreamed that I would have a blog. When LoopyBoopy told me I should start a blog I wondered what I would write about. Since that time I keeping thinking of things to say.

I had the most wonderful thing happen to me today. About six weeks ago, my friend Janice A. asked me to go with her to her daughter, Amber's friend, Tony's art show. (now that's a mouthful) We went to the show at Arts on the Park in downtown Lakeland, FL and Tony had some amazing paintings. I fell in love with a painting he had done of a piece of heavy equipment in a field, but the price was not in my budget at that time. I couldn't stop thinking about the painting and how much I liked it. I think I was supposed to be at that show that night, because Tony and his beautiful painting brought change to my life. It made me want to paint again. I haven't painted in some time, and, it made me want to paint "Big Boy Toys". So I painted a picture of a frontend loader. I emailed a photo of my painting to Janice, and she told Tony what I had done.

Now comes the incredible part of the story. Janice and Amber asked me to meet them for breakfast today at wonderful little restaurant that has recently opened in Haines City, the "Three Boys Cafe". (Breakfast was delicious!) When I got out of the car they told me to close my eyes as they had a surprise for me. When I opened my eyes, Janice was holding the painting that I had admired. She said the Tony wanted me to have it. He said that many people loved and admired his work, but no one had ever said his work had inspired them to create their own art. I didn't know what to say. I was so honored to be presented such a wonderful gift from such a talented artist who I don't know, as I had only met him briefly at the art show.

I don't know if there are enough words to thank Tony. He wrote and inscription on the back of the painting that says, Raedell, from one artist to another, Tony Corbitt. Tony, your mother should be very proud of you. I find that most artists are wonderful, caring, giving people and I have certainly found that in Tony. Thank you, Tony, you can't imagine how special you have made me feel.