My Heart Is Yours

"My Heart is Yours" original encaustic painting on wood support -- with key charm! Available to purchase here at my Etsy shop (or at Caffe Portofino in Northport).

Yes, it's my first experiment with a jewlery addition to my painting! I saw this little set of lock & key charms at the craft store last week, and thought: "wouldn't it be cool to create a valentine painting with these?" And here is the result. It's definitely a very romantic gift for someone special.

I think I may need to take a break from the valentine paintings now. But the good news is that I've sold another from Caffe Portofino today, and Lisa -- the caffe's lovely & visionary owner -- has said I can stay on indefinitely as a sort of artist in residence! I am so excited! Here I am in front of my current wall this morning. The whole family went to hang the new paintings and to eat some delicious cookies. I hope Nicky didn't create his own 'wall art' with his chocolately fingers...

Even MORE Love and a bit of WONDERFUL...

"You Are Wonderful" 6 x 6.5 inch beeswax encaustic & mixed media on wood. Original is SOLD, but prints are available here.

Large-sized "LOVE" on the wall. Available here.

10x10 inch "LOVE" on cradled wood panel (front view).

I've been busy, busy, busy creating paintings to celebrate Valentine's Day. And I am now kind of in love with the whole concept of encaustics & lettering. It creates a carnivelesque feeling that resonates with my imagination perfectly. Plus the top one really looks like a book cover to me -- a book I would like to read. :)

"You are Wonderful" would make a great Valentine's Day gift, but I think it's also perfect for Mother's Day -- this is mostly because it reminds me of my own mom & how we sometimes tell each other "you're wonderful.... no YOU're wonderful" and laugh. And, gosh, who doesn't like to be told they're wonderful?

I created one more piece that I will be sharing tomorrow. It's actually a 2-piece set, and I need to create the second part of it tonight. It involves a sort of jewlery element, believe it or not. Stay tuned...

More LOVE

"House Built on Love" Original Encaustic Painting on Wood Panel 8x8 inches for sale here.

"True Love" Original Encaustic Painting on Wood Panel. Original for sale here.

I've recovered from the stomach flu and am back to work painting for my favorite holiday: Valentine's Day! I finished these two over the weekend, and they are now hanging in Caffe Portofino (all of the others are sold! Yay!).

"House Built on Love" has a special place in my heart because it represents the ultimate importance of love in a home. Even if the world is crumbling around you (like it is for families in Haiti) or if these trying financial times are threatening your physical house, a "house built on love" is eternal.

Found Art Friday -- BIG LOVE!

Welcome to the revival of FOUND ART FRIDAY: A monthly collection of themed art from blogs, artists and creative people around the world. This month's theme is BIG LOVE, and I am absolutely thrilled that we've had so many contributions! The concept of Found Art Fridays is to create a piece without much planning, allowing yourself to give in to the fun and spontaneity of the creative process. I think the artists here did a tremendous job! Beneath each piece, I've listed the artist's name and a link to their blog or website so that you can learn more about their work. Enjoy!!!
Heather Kirtland 8x8 encaustic on cradled birch.

"All You Need is Love" by Emma Talbot of Little Brown Rabbit.

Mixed Media Love Collage by Tara Leaver of Aquamarineart.

Valentine Card Design by Amanda Lincoln

"Big Love" by Jessie of Jessie Lilac Illustration

"A Little Bliss" -- freeform encaustic heart by me, Cathy!

"Big Love" by Pippin of ArtPippin

"Love is Always and Forever" by Gina Lee Kim.

"Flaming Heart" by Christophe (created with daughter, Annabelle)

"Love Smiles" by Michele Gallagher of Artistique Muse.

Thank you to all of the artists who participated in Found Art Friday this month, and I hope you will join us again for next month's theme EVERYTHING BLOOMING: on 2/26.

Sweet Baby Jane

"Sweet Baby Jane" commissioned encaustic painting for a lovely mommy-to-be -- Jennifer!!

This is my latest wax creation for a little baby girl soon to be born. Her nursery is pink and green with a "secret garden" theme, so I included lots of flowers in the tree and little animals to keep her company. There's an owl, a little bird and, of course, this jolly yellow monkey swinging from a lower branch. There are also touches of gold leaf in the flowers.

Every night before putting my son, Nicky, to sleep, he waves goodbye to the animals in one of his paintings. It makes me smile to think that Jane may do the same one day!

(PS -- I am trying to figure out how to create a grid on my blog of all the contributions to Found Art Friday. I am finding myself just a tad technically challenged. If you have any suggestions, I would love them!!!)

Call for Contributions: FOUND ART FRIDAY 1/29

I can't believe January is almost over -- but it is, and FOUND ART FRIDAY is coming up at the end of the week (1/29). The theme is "Big Love," and you are welcome to submit your experiment in painting, photography, performance art or any other medium -- as long as it revolves around Big Love -- for my post this Friday.

In case you are new to my blog, Found Art Friday is a round-up of artwork that I post every last Friday of the month. The theme varies, but anyone can contribute. The idea behind "Found Art" is that it's something done freely without much constraint in a way that allows for serendipity and surprise. So, if you feel like contributing, just be creative and have fun. Then post the artwork on your blog & send me a link (and I will repost) OR just email me a jpeg image (if you are blogless). My email is cnichols19@aim.com.

Happy BIG LOVE!!! Can't wait until Friday!

Thank You For Helping Haiti!

I am SO happy to announce that Paintings By Cathy Nichols was able to raise $53 for Haiti last week by donating 10% of sales to the American Red Cross's relief fund!!!! I just made the donation this morning, and it warms my heart that we were able to do our small part to help. Thank you to everyone who supported Haiti this week through my fundraiser and in all other ways. Together I know we are making a difference. Wishing you a happy Sunday!