More Canvases Ready!

Tomorrow is the day....setting up for the Keene Art Walk.

I finished these two canvases over the weekend; the last to add to the collection of art that I'll be bringing to set up in Kristen's Bakery.

Friday evening from 5:30-8:00 pm is the Opening Reception for the Art Walk and I'd love to meet some local peeps there! The Art Walk runs through the following Sunday, June 12th.



© Nancy Lefko

Illustration Friday ~ ASLEEP

Reaching into the archives today, I present this sweet little cocktail fairy who...just maybe...has had one too many and will soon be ASLEEP.

As you celebrate this holiday weekend with backyard BBQ's and perhaps a cocktail or two, please remember to choose a designated driver so everyone remains safe on the road.

I encourage you to visit the Illustration Friday website, follow the links and find all of the wonderful artwork and blogs.

© Nancy Lefko

What Are U up to Today? Wednesdays - No.5

I have shifted into high gear this week in my little art world. With a workshop at the Sharon Arts Center approaching and the Keene Art Walk to prepare for, it's been no leisurely jaunt up to my studio. I greet the day with an art-filled to-do list that keeps me hopping. But what a lovely way to hop!

And so this is what I've done today...begin a new canvas and frame art for the show & print out guides for my workshop. (Of course, I threw in some of that "mom stuff" too, like doing laundry, ferrying kids around and putting dinner in the crock pot.)

Check out what Jen Osborn and others are up to today at "What Are U up to Today? Wednesdays." And maybe you'd even like to play along!



© Nancy Lefko

Finished Canvases

A few uninterrupted hours and two canvases are complete and ready for the Keene Art Walk. If you find yourself in southwestern New Hampshire anytime from Friday June 3rd to Sunday June 12th, do stop by Kristen's Bakery in Keene for a peek at these in person, along with lots of art from many juried artists.



© Nancy Lefko

Back in the Saddle Again

With the Keene Art Walk only a week away, I am hitting the studio full force; working up some new canvases whether or not my muse is ready and willing!

But even when I think I'm not ready, it's only a matter of moments and a bit of paint on my hands, until I am fully in the swing and wishing I had more time.


Stay tuned for more photos as these canvases develop.

© Nancy Lefko

Somerset Studio GALLERY

The Summer 2011 issue of Somerset Studio Gallery is soon to hit the newsstands. I was pleased and surprised to receive a contributor's copy in the mail yesterday...I had no idea my artwork had been chosen. A very pleasant surprise indeed, that arrived just when I needed it.


"Leap Fearlessly" was created for the FEARLESS challenge proposed by Somerset Studio.


And my submission for the SIMPLE PLEASURES challenge was "Keys to the Morning." If you're anything like me, coffee is a divine yet simple pleasure and indeed, a key to the morning!

I encourage you to pick up a copy of this extraordinary magazine that is available June 1st. It is chock full of beautiful artwork that is sure to please and inspire!

© Nancy Lefko

Weekend to Remember

For me, art journaling is valuable for a number of reasons.

Certainly, it allows the artist to experiment with new media and techniques in the safety of her journal and keep a record of those experiments and their results. An art journal is also a wonderful venue for pouring out one's heartfelt thoughts when there is need for a place of safe-keeping. And a journal is great when traveling and keeping a visual record of new places, sights and adventures along life's highway.

This weekend I turned to my art journal to record the special feelings of hosting a dear friend visiting from Minnesota. We only see our friend Jack once a year and our visits are far too brief. A photo of the beautiful roses he brought for me is the focal point of the page, as is the handsome sailor, representing Jack in his younger days.

It's important to record life's special moments and memories; to take the time to put feelings into word and art. I'm grateful for my art journal...the place in which to do both. And I'm grateful for friends like Jack, who's one in a million.

© Nancy Lefko

Happy Mother's Day!

© Nancy Lefko

"Mix it Up with Melange" Challenge ~ ROYALTY

With William and Kate's celebration fresh in our minds, this month's challenge over at the Melange Team Blog is ROYALTY. Now, I'm not old enough to remember the game show, "Queen for a Day," but I am hoping that this coming Sunday I'll "win big" and receive the ROYAL treatment! Ya hear that, boys?

Head on over to the Melange Team Blog and take part in the challenge. It's open to all mixed media artists...you needn't be a team member nor a seller on Etsy. Hope to see you there!

Collage available in my Etsy shop.

© Nancy Lefko