Etsy shop, Main Street Gallery, Blizzard of Art Show

I painted every minute I could for two weeks straight and below is the result. My husband Mark was out of town for much of the time so I really had the opportunity to concentrate on art. I had hoped to make one piece of art a day...not quite! I also had one more piece I was working on but it was giving me problems, so I have abandoned it for now.

After over 1 year I have reopened my Etsy shop RAEvNsNest. It is difficult for me to decide where to concentrate my efforts. These assemblages using cigar boxes and metal casting patterns have been flying around in my mind for years, so it feels good to execute them.

The cigar boxes can be used to keep treasures or mementos on a table or shelf. They can also be hung on a wall for a look with extra dimension.

Black-billed MAGPIE hand-painted on cigar box SOLD

This is an original painting of a black-billed Magpie on a wood cigar box. The magpie has found a shiny jewel and is about to stash it through the keyhole of an ornate brass plate. A combination of painting and found objects make up this unique assemblage piece. The cigar box measures 5 ½”” tall x 9 ¾” wide x 1 1/2” deep.

Saw-whet OWL hand-painted on cigar box

This is an original painting of a Saw-whet owl on a wood cigar box. The original logo hints to the shape of the moon. A metal number tag is the finishing touch for this assemblage piece. The cigar box measures 5 3/4” tall x 7 ¾” wide x 2 1/2” deep

GREAT HORNED OWL hand-painted on cigar box

This is an original painting of a great horned owl on a wood cigar box. Parts of the original lettering peek through the bird to hint of the original character of the box. Brass clock parts are the finishing touches for this assemblage piece. The cigar box measures 8” tall x 4 ½” wide x 3 1/2” deep.

OXPECKER bird hand-painted on cigar box SOLD

This is an original painting of a Oxpecker on a wood cigar box. The bull stamped on the cigar box cover was the inspiration for the Oxpecker as a subject and red trim echos the color of the bullfighter's red cape. Metal number tag and key are the finishing touches for this assemblage piece. The cigar box measures 7 1/2” tall x 7 ¼” wide x 2 1/4” deep.

For more views visit my etsy shop RAEvNsNest.

I also decided to take advantage of the gallery space that our artist guild has at the Cedarburg Cultural Center called Main Street Gallery. The Cultural Center is also sponsoring a show called Blizzard of Art (All artwork is under $200) Below are the pieces I have displayed there.

BARN OWL hand-painted on antique wood casting pattern SOLD

This is an original painting of a barn owl on an antique wood casting pattern. The aged patina of the wood makes the perfect backdrop for this realistically portrayed owl. The wooden pattern is 3-D and the owl’s feet are painted as if setting on the molding that protrudes from the back piece. The old wooden casting pattern is from Gilson bros foundry in Fredonia, Wisconsin and measures 18” x 10” x 3 ½” at the widest point. The metal number plate is original to the pattern but has been repositioned for aesthetic reasons.

Spotted TOWHEE bird hand-painted on wood box

This is an original painting of a spotted Towhee on a wood box. Antique drawer pull, keyhole plate and glass beads add the finishing touches for this assemblage piece. The wood box measures 3 1/2” tall x 5 ¾” wide x 4” deep.

RAVEN hand-painted on cigar box SOLD

This is an original painting of a raven on a wood cigar box. Old clock parts are the finishing touches for this assemblage piece. The cigar box measures 5 3/4” tall x 4 ½” wide x 3 3/4” deep.