Anniversary Surprise

I got an email recently from a man who wanted to surprise his wife for their anniversary.  He had an idea to get an oil portrait of the place where he proposed to her - Samford Hall at Auburn University.  He also wanted included, small figures of himself and his wife in the portrait, re-enacting the proposal.  What a creative husband!  He even provided details of what they were wearing, who was standing on what side and the time of night (for the clock face).  This is a photo of the painting at one of it's final stages.

"Samford Hall Proposal at Night", 16x20" Oil on Canvas

I think he gets a lot of husband "points" for this one.  And, get this, he's a Bama fan!!!   :)

Open Art Studio at Christmas on the Hill

Please join us for the "Christmas on the Hill" celebration this Sunday, December 4th from 1-5pm. Along with all the other merchants in the Springhill area, my art studio will be open with coffee and cookies and good cheer! New artwork and Christmas specials, with original gifts in every price range. I spent most of the day decorating the studio and getting everything neatened up. Thanks to my suite-mate, Abby Stimpson, from Very Vintage Jewelry, for getting all of our "snowflake" themed decor! Here's some shots of my studio with my new work:

I will be having some special guests artists in my studio on Sunday, as well.  First, Morgan McGehee, age 10 and founder of The Hope Project - creating paintings to raise money to build a well in Africa.  Here is some of her work that I hung up today.  I have my eye on the blue cupcakes!!!  And, with any purchase or donation to The Hope Project, receive a coupon for 20% any artwork or non-portrait commission from Rabbit Creek Studios.  Come take advantage of this rare promotion!  To learn more about Morgan and her artwork, visit www.Facebook.com/TheHopeProjectMobile.

My second guest is my mother, Suzanne Fox.  She is a potter and also paints watercolor on paper.  Here is one of her beautiful pitchers.  I have a few of her popular "berry bowls" - a small pottery colander, perfect for rinsing and displaying berries.  They will go fast and would make a great gift for anyone on your list!

Kick off the Christmas Season on "The Hill" with Santa, Carriage Rides, 99.9FM broadcasting live!  See you there and please spread the word!  Christmas Blessings to you all!!!

Christmas Jubilee

I have a display at this year's Christmas Jubilee Art Walk, as I have in several years past.  This year, the difference is that I have shared half of my display area with my friend and fellow artist, Morgan McGehee.  Morgan has had (God given) artistic talent from an early age.  When she heard about the fact that over 5,000 children perish EVERY DAY from lack of clean water, she decided to use her artistic talent to do something about it.  She started the Hope Project to raise money for a well in Africa.  What's incredible, though, is that she is only 10 years old!  I worked with her parents to get ready for this, her first art "show".  Here is her display after I set it up on Wednesday of this week:

Doesn't it look great?  Most of these works employ a several step process.  Morgan applies a textured medium to the canvas to give the subject depth.  Then, she paints her design.  If needed, fabric and beads are applied (like the "sprinkles" on the cupcakes).  Lastly, with her parents help, a thick, glossy resin is applied over the whole canvas.

When I checked in with the Art Walk chair late this afternoon, after only ONE day of the three day market, ALL but TWO paintings had sold!!!  Of course, Morgan is thrilled.  Since she doesn't have any more paintings to sell at the moment, she will ask those that want to offer support for her Hope Project to do one or more of the following:

* Commission an original painting - choose your design and colors
* Place an order for notecards or prints
* Donate art supplies or money to The Hope Project
* Join her Facebook Page and Share with others
* Pray for her ministry
Visit her Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/TheHopeProjectMobile for more information on purchasing or donating.

We are all just thrilled with the incredible response to her artwork and her project!  If you are at Christmas Jubilee this weekend, stop by her display to see if there are any paintings left, to read more about her mission and get a business card.  She also has beautiful necklaces displayed for sale that benefit Sonrise Baby Home in Uganda. If you missed her at Christmas Jubilee, she will have a display table at my studio during Christmas on the Hill, Sunday, December 4th from 1-5pm.  Come support this wonderful cause!  Any purchase from The Hope Project during the Christmas on the Hill Open House, will receive 20% off any purchase from Rabbit Creek Studios.  See you there!!!

Sacred Heart Chapel Commission

I got a call from the "always entertaining" Mike Lyons over at Lyons Share Gallery in Fairhope, AL.  He had a customer that wanted to commission a mixed media painting of Sacred Heart Chapel, located right on Mobile Bay off Scenic Hwy 98 right outside of Fairhope.  But, the customer couldn't decide if she wanted the chapel painting mounted on an antique tin ceiling tile or antique wood.  So, I gave her a call and told her I'd make both and send them over to the gallery where she could then choose her favorite.  She was delighted with the idea and I am more than happy to do whatever it takes to make my art patrons completely satisfied with their artwork.

Here is the chapel on wood:

12x20" Oil on hand-cut metal, mounted to Antique Wood salvaged from Atmore, AL farmhouse 1907.

Here it is on tin:

12x12" Oil on hand-cut metal, mounted to antique tin ceiling tile, over 100 years old.

Anyone want to take a guess on which one she chooses?  I have my guess already....

Laissez les bons temps rouler

A friend of mine was the recent president of a local Mardi Gras organization.  After all the festivities were over, she wanted to present gifts to all the officers that helped make their year so successful.  She showed me some snapshots of all the ladies, dressed in various bright costumes, holding flags, and coming out to get on their floats. 

For their gifts, she wanted some small abstract paintings that conveyed "the busyness" and revelry of that day.  So, instead of stretched canvas, I chose some gallery wrapped 4x4 hardboard panels to give it a modern feel.  After several attempts (abstracts are NOT always easy), I finally captured the look and feel of what she wanted.  I really love these and my friend does too!  And, these ladies will have a nice piece of artwork to help them remember a fabulous day.  Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Casual Family Portrait

I just finished up a wonderful casual family portrait this week.  This is a client's three adult daughters and her two dogs sitting in her own back yard.  It's especially sweet since the Bassett, "Scarlet", has since passed away.  The reference photo we used was a snapshot taken recently but we also supplemented with other photographs of the girls.  This is a huge portrait - approximately 4x6 feet - and was accurately measured to fit perfectly over a mantle in her living room.  It's a gallery wrapped canvas, and the painting continues over and onto the sides.

When the portrait was finished to the client's exact specifications, I transported it down to Ashland Gallery where they will do a "floater" frame in which the canvas recesses into a box-type frame, with the sides still showing.  A very nice choice!

Speaking of Ashland Gallery, they will be having a great portrait workshop coming up October 20-21 given by Karen Stastny, an artist and teacher from New Orleans.  The fee is only $250, so if you have ever had an inkling to try portrait painting, this might be your opportunity.  For more information, just call Ashland Gallery at 479-3548.

"Come Get the Skinny" - Silent Auction, Loud Party

Last night I attended the Mobile Arts Council's Fall Fundraiser, "Come Get the Skinny" - Silent Auction, Loud Party.  It was very well attended and there was so many great pieces of art to bid on - a testament to the local artist's support of the Mobile Arts Council.  A big crowd, live music, fun decor and The Smoking Gringos taco truck all contributed to the "Loud Party" atmosphere.  The bidding was hot on a lot of pieces - I had my eye on artwork by Kate Seawell, Jennifer Grehan, Amber Lane, Anita Westerberg, Kathy Whitinger and Amer'ica Jones.  There was even some artwork by Jo Bonner - I didn't know our Congressman was a painter!  Also, spotted: Mobile City Councilwoman Gina Gregory.

Here are some "party pics":

Me with my "Mud Bug" mixed media piece.

My mom's friend and fellow artist Joanne Brandt took this photo of us.

Inside in the "Skinny Gallery".

AMAZING food from the "Smoking Gringos" truck!  I am going to have to find out their daily routes so I can get some more!

The party spilled out onto the sidewalk and street, with live music.

Also, if you've never been to downtown LODA for artwalk (2nd Friday of each month), October's is supposed to be great!

Local Pottery

I am working to transition my working studio into a shared space for art gallery/retail.  I will offer my original oils on canvas, fine art prints, my mixed media oil artwork and my hand-cut tin pieces (angels, crosses, etc).  I also have a few home decor items I've picked up here and there - candlesticks made from old porch spindles, mirrors made from antique wood moulding, antique dough bowls, lamps made from antique ballusters, antique tin and wood picture frames and anything else that I find that's made from antique wood and tin! 

I will also be offering a few pieces from other local artists.  Today, I'd like you to introduce you to my mother, Suzanne Fox.  She started creating pottery when I was just a little girl (I won't bother to tell you how long ago THAT was!!!) and would take me along to local outdoor art shows.  She now lives in Fairhope and creates beautiful pottery at the Eastern Shore Art Center.  We normally share booths at art exhibitions, since her pottery compliments my artwork perfectly.  I selected several of her pieces to put in my shop.  Here are a few, pictured below.

Blue Crab Trivet, Wheel Thrown with Hand-Painted Design, $20.

Tiny Soap Dish, with Local Honey Soap, $8.

Small Pitcher, Blue over Black Glaze on Tan Clay, $20.

Small cups (tea or sake'?), Blue over Black Glaze, $8 each or $15 for both.

Wood fired vase, Summer 2011 Fairhope Anagama Kiln Firing, $20.



6" Soap Dish, Molded and Stamped Design, Coffee Cream Glaze, $10.


To see the rest, come by and see me.  My studio hours will be 10:00-2:00  Tuesday through Friday.

Impressionistic Portrait

"Lane Children", 30x40 oil on gallery wrapped canvas, Private Commission.

Here is my latest commissioned oil portrait.  This sweet mom wanted me to paint with very thick oil paint in an impressionistic style.  I just love it!!!  It's so much fun to move paint around with a palette knife.  This portrait is truly best appreciated when seen in person as the waves and the clothing is very textured and the oil paint in the water gives it wonderful depth.

I used a snapshot she took of the children at the beach and took it from there.  It's painted on a 30x40 "gallery wrapped" canvas (meaning the sides of the canvas are a couple of inches thick and the painting extends onto the sides).  She said her walls in her den are white and this painting will really pop in her home.  I truly can't wait to see.

If you have a photograph from the summer you think would make a lovely oil portrait, I'd love to take a look.  Sizes range from 8x10 to 30x40 and larger.  I have VERY limited openings for Christmas gifts, so if you think you MIGHT be interested in commissioning something, please let me know NOW.  I'd be happy to meet with you in my studio to discuss your artistic vision. 

All Things Old Are New Again

Ok, you all know how much I love old stuff, especially old wood.  Well, check out these mirrors made from genuine antique window and door moulding!  These are small and can be hung anywhere, but if you need a specific size, I will try to accommodate.


Overall Dimensions 18 x 15.5", Mirror is 5.5 x 8", Beautiful 5 1/4" moulding in white, gray and antique pine, $85.



Overall dimensions are 15.5 x 18", Mirror is 8 x 10", Fabulous 4 1/2" moulding in shades of white, brown and gray with tiny hints of blue and yellow, $85.

I was in Fairhope visiting my mom this weekend and took a few great shots of the views of Mobile Bay around the Fairhope Yacht Club. I was hoping to get some photographs of the regatta they were having there, so I could do some sailboat paintings, but got there too late. Here are some other images I thought I would share.

Mobile Yacht Club Marina - Sailboats are hard to photograph because their masts are so tall and the reflections in the water are also proportional!

"Kayaks on a Rack" - cool colors!

All neatly put up and ready for next time.

These seagulls were so cute all lined up.

You never know what you are going to find washed up on the beach.

A parting shot from Mobile Bay - I love being down by the water!!!

New Paintings on Canvas

I don't get to paint oysters on canvas very much, since the demand for the mixed media work is so high, but I had a chance recently this past week.  These are wonderful to pick up for gifts or to put on easels around the house.  I like to paint a two-toned "aged" appearance on my backgrounds.  I think it makes it look more dimensional and interesting.  I've done different colors, but I am really liking this aged blue (below).

"Oyster on Blue", 4x6 Original Oil on Canvas, $22.50

"Oyster Trio", 6x12 Original Oil on Canvas, $60

Lastly, I'd like to welcome "Very Vintage", who has set up a little retail shop in the front part of my studio space.  Someone to share the rent - yay!!!  They have brought in antique furniture, rugs, home decor, prints -- all to set off their FABULOUS collection of antique and vintage jewelry.  The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday 11-5 and by appointment.  I have learned a lot in just a couple of weeks about vintage jewelry designers and fads and fashions of the past.  The bad thing is, every time I walk through to get to my art studio, I see something else I "need"!  :)  Come check it out.  We'd both love to see you.

Seaside "Business" Trip

This past weekend, I traveled to the Seaside/Sea Grove/Watercolor area of Florida with a friend of mine.    There, I brought some new work to The Studio Gallery in Grayton Beach.  What a great gallery and fabulous owner and staff!  We spent a lot of time just browsing all the wonderful local artwork and talking "shop" while we cataloged the new work.

I brought them several new pieces, including this "Crab Duo" on antique shutter. 

Life is really tough on a business trip like this.  We "had" to: eat out at Bud & Alley's and The Red Bar, check out all the local art galleries and gift shops, go shopping and, of course, hang out on the beach.  Here are a few of my favorite shots from the weekend:

Beachside view from Grayton Beach, FL.

Gorgeous water!

Unbelievable Sunset.

Enjoy your Labor Day and last few weeks of summer!!!

Cathedral Commission

I received a commission from Ashland Gallery for artwork of The Cathedral, but in a smaller size than was currently hanging at the gallery.  I finished it up today and brought it down to midtown Mobile, along with a few other items.  For those that are interested, The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is located in downtown Mobile, AL and was built in 1835.  It has beautiful architecture and I have attended many a wedding here.  This is my finished piece:



Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, oil on metal on 12x12 antique tin ceiling tile, $150.


I also painted St. Joseph Chapel .  It's located on the campus of Spring Hill College, which is the 3rd oldest Jesuit Catholic college in the United States.  This is a smaller size than what I normally create, making it a perfect size for a wedding gift.  My husband and I were married here, so it will always hold a special place in my heart.

St. Joseph Chapel, oil on hand-cut metal, on 12x12 antique tin ceiling tile, $150.

 Lastly, I brought some various oyster pieces to keep them stocked up.  They also requested some more "hot sauce" and okra pieces, so I'd better paint some more soon!

"Oyster", oil on hand-cut metal, on wood from a vintage door, 5x5, $45.

"Oyster Trio", oil on metal, on natural, antique beadboard salvaged from Atmore, AL farmhouse built in 1907, $89.

"Oyster", oil on metal, on natural beadboard salvaged from Atmore AL farmhouse 1907, 5x6, $45.

So, if you need a wedding gift or some artwork for your house, stop by Ashland Gallery and take a look around.  They have toys (my boys can't stop playing with the "Bucky Balls"), frames, Ugly Dolls, gifts and, of course, fabulous art.  Go by and check it out!

Back to School!

Ok, I've finally gotten the boys back to school and have some time to get things done and to create some artwork!  I have lots of plans for new pieces -- I just have to decide which to start with first.  Fish, florals, churches, crabs -- all on the list.  Let me know if there's anything you'd like to see!

Here's a few single oysters I got done a few weeks ago in between playdates, swim team, and sports camps!  I had a commission for a single oyster on a white or natural background.  I decided to make several for her to choose from.  She said she wanted to hang it in her bathroom - which I think is awesome!

Here are the ones on the "natural backgrounds".  I used beadboard tongue and groove, rough cut cypress and the blueish gray one is a porch board.  All from a farmhouse in Atmore, AL built in 1907 and damaged beyond repair by Hurricane Ivan. 

Here are the ones on the "white" backgrounds.  I used antique tin ceiling tiles on two and a piece of wood from an old vintage door on the other one.

As always, I choose real shells (looking at shape, size and coloring) to complement the "canvas" on which the artwork is mounted.  All of these are approximately 6x6" and retail for $45.  If you'd like to see a close-up of your favorite, just email me at jallen1919@gmail.com.

Oh yes, as for the client, she chose the middle oyster on the white tin ceiling tile.  I hope it looks fabulous in her home.

St. Francis at the Point

Lyons Share Gallery in Fairhope called me recently for a mixed media commission of St. Francis at the Point.  It's located south of the Grand Hotel down beautiful Scenic Hwy 98.  I have painted many local churches, but not this particular one.  So, deciding to make a day of it, I drove over to Fairhope, AL and picked up my mom.  We stopped in Page & Palette for a quick cup of coffee (a must!) and stuck our heads in Lyons Share Gallery to say a quick hello before heading to see the church.  I was told that I should paint the "new" church, constructed in 2001.  It is beautiful, constructed in the "carpenter gothic" style.

The original chapel on the property (pictured below) was built in 1898 when the first Protestant Episcopal mission in the Fairhope/Point Clear area was formed.  This tiny chapel has served worshipers of several denominations through the years. Originally known as St. Luke’s Mission, the chapel is now a landmark structure in the Point Clear community.

Here is my artwork depicting the new church.  Using the reference photos I took, I hand-cut the church out of metal, painted the detail in oil and affixed it to an antique tin ceiling tile.  I hope the art collector that commissioned the work will treasure such a unique piece of art with a special meaning.