The Store is Open... Yeah!

So many people are fans of my "Progressions" series but can't justify buying art in these days of economic insecurity. They are looking at the holidays and those hard-to-shop-for people with no idea as to what to get them. I think I've hit upon something.

What if you could buy practical gifts based on unique art that ranged in price from $10.95 to $32.95? If it sounds like a plan to you, consider these gift ideas:

A tempered glass tray that can be used as a cutting board, a serving tray, a trivet and looks so colorfully decorative in the kitchen.

I've chosen one out of each of the "Progressions" series - Food, Drink & Dessert

How about a hefty 15-0z ceramic mug for hot coffee or hot cocoa with a wraparound design based on "Progressions" from coffee beans to latte? (or cocoa beans to hot chocolate with whipped cream? Yum!)



Then there are ceramic tiles which can serve as coasters or purchased with a lovely wrought iron trivet - which doubles as a wall decoration when not in use.



There are packets of note cards, recipe and book markers - great stocking stuffers! There's even a close-out on cards and a special holiday offering of 10% from each online sale donated to the food bank!

Where is it? It's on my new online store. You can find most of these artful holiday items on the "Boutique" pages. You can go directly at:http://www.r-atencio-annex.com/Gallery/Boutique/boutique.html

Irises and Spring

Even though I'm flying away tomorrow, Tuesday is usually blog time. I could say that habits die hard. That'd be partly true, but the other part is that I just finished an iris card series and I like it so much that I couldn't wait to share it with you.

A little background is in order. Many blogs ago, I mentioned that I was creating a new website. I would keep r-atencio.com to display work for art galleries. I requested your help to name a new site where art, ceramics, and many other items would be available for purchase. The majority of you voted for "r-atencio-annex.com" and now construction is under way.

The choice was made for the note cards to be first pages because a lot of folks didn't really like going through Etsy. This system will simplify ordering by quite a bit.

If you click on "My Card Shop" at the upper right on this page ( below "Favorite Links"), you'll see the first pages of the new site including all 6 of the "Spring Iris" series. I am very pleased with how the irises look. It was a windy day and I think it gave the irises a certain feel of movement.

(Should you be interested in ordering any card series for yourself or your Mom for Mother's Day, shipping is scheduled for April 30th.)

Future blogs will be journals of my trip to Athens and Naxos. In the meantime, please enjoy the iris.... and Happy Spring!

Wintry Joy !

As you may have guessed, I enjoy flowers very much. Their presence always makes me smile. From the first crocus popping up to announce spring to the late fall when only a few brave flowers continue to bloom, they bring me enjoyment.

Some of my first art works in both watercolor and pastel were flowers. Even my first woodblock prints were... you guessed it...flowers!

When I was thinking about what I wanted to add to my card series, I thought about the the flowers that cheer us through the dark days of winter. Oops! I did say "flowers," which is true but for one exception - holly. I think it's a berry... anyone?)

Here are the new series of pastels. If you would like to own or give a gift of this card series, please check my page on Etsy (Link here) or contact me directly. It's always fun to hear from you. Now, for your pleasure, "Winter Floras." (Click on image to enlarge.)

Etsy and Me

I'm trying to set up my Etsy account so that I can offer my Note Cards and Greeting cards. Plus I have ideas for limited edition engraved cards that would be gifts and greetings all in one. Any ideas or suggestions on setting up on Etsy would be much appreciated.