Just popping in...

to share a fun treasury on Etsy!

Look at all these treats!

Currated by: calliemeg
Treasury: Too Good To Eat...Seriously...They're Paintings, Don't Eat Them.

Indulge yourself and check them out...zero calories.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

"Christmas Topiary" 

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x8", colored pencil on paper

I'm taking a blog break until next year. 

I hope you and your family have a very happy holiday season! 

See you in 2012!! 

*** C H E E R S ***

Cyber Monday...and Zoe

Zoe is doing REALLY, REALLY well! She has all her usual spunk back and I have to try very hard to keep her still so her incision heals.

I've got a great deal today on my Etsy shop...35% off and FREE SHIPPING on everything to anywhere!! Please see my shop for details.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

For Zoe

Zoe getting comfortable at the dining room table among all our projects.

Last week I took my best four-legged, hairy, friend, Zoe, to the vet for a check-up. It was time for her yearly exam and I had a few concerns to talk to the veterinarian about. Mainly she had a lump on her belly. The vet felt the lump on her belly and right away said THAT HAS GOT TO GO!

My heart almost stopped.

She basically had a lump in her breast and as it turns out, it was a pretty good size.

So, I scheduled her to have it removed. She went in yesterday and I heard that everything went well. They actually removed 2 lumps and she has a long incision. I get to pick her up at 3:45 this afternoon and I can't wait to have her back home!

I just want to say, make sure you have your female puppy spayed before her first heat. I did not do this for Zoe. If you don't do this before her first heat she has a much greater chance in getting mammary cancer.

So, now I'm really trying to get some paintings sold. I'm having a 35% off sale in my painted chic! etsy shop. Just use the coupon code FORZOE at check-out. Sale starts today and will end at the end at midnight November 29.

I am slowly adding new painting to the shop, so if you see something on my blog that you don't see in my shop, just send me an email or convo me on Etsy and I will get it added for you.

Hopefully I can help you with some of your holiday shopping and you can help me pay my veterinarian bill. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Look What Just Arrived!

WOW! I'm way too excited about this.
It's Fashion Sketchbook by Bina Abling. Just look at how thick it is!


Can't wait to get started!

I Made it on Poppytalk Handmade

Stop by the Poppytalk Handmade Pre-Holiday Market. There’s lots of great stuff including my art quilts! :)

I'll be painting again soon!! Very soon! My paintbrush has been calling my name. I've got to put the finishing touches on my new studio space.

AND there will be more pictures on New York City soon!! 

First Stop...Times Square

On Sunday, October 23, we checked out Times Square.

On the Subway

For many New Yorker's the subway is a way of life, for us it was a novelty! We stayed at the Extended Stay America in Whitestone, Queens, New York. So, every morning we caught the q20a bus and headed to the Flushing/Main St. subway station and took the No. 7 train into the city.When we got really good at this we took the No. 7 EXPRESS!

Most locals use their subway time to nap, listen to their MP3 players, make phone calls, read, etc. As you can see I had to take it all in!

You definitely want to avoid rush hour if you can. People crowd on until they are stuffed in and at each stop more and more people get on. On our last day we got on the train at a rush time and I started panicking that Gabriel was suffocating. And made it vocally know. Totally embarrassed my husband. I didn't care.

I would also suggest you have a plan if someone gets left behind. Once my husband got on a train at the last minute, Gabriel and Hattie followed right behind, but I got left behind. They got off at the next stop and I took the next train and met them there. Whew!!

Really, the creative minds at Sesame Street knew what they were talking about.

New York City or Bust!

Last week we took a family vacation to New York City!

I have always, ALWAYS, A L W A Y S wanted to visit New York and actually, I have always wanted to LIVE there. Starting Monday, I'll be sharing with you the sights that we visited and some funny things that happened along the way.

No. 102 Orange Roses

7"x5", acrylic on paper 

This is painting 102 for the year!

My daughter told me on Saturday that she wanted to move back home. So, I've been busy cleaning out my studio to turn it back into a bedroom for her. I don't know where I'm going to be painting...probably anywhere I can find space.

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

Autumn Bouquet

"Autumn Bouquet" 

7"x5", acrylic on paper

I was inspired by this photograph. Have a lovely weekend!

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

I love Blue Flowers

"Blue Flowers From My Imagination"

5"x7", acrylic on paper

I have a thing for blue flowers! I'm not much of a print girl, but when I see something with blue flowers I'm instantly drawn to it.

So, what have I decided to do next...Well, of course, it's keep painting! But I've decided to switch it up a bit. I've decided it's time to get into a local gallery. Which means I'm going to start working bigger until I have enough pieces to approach a gallery for representation. I'm going to try to keep creating a painting every week day AND for the remainder of the month of October I'm going to be working in acrylics. I'm trying to go for a loose, painterly feel.

Thanks for stopping by!


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Lincoln Arts Festival

It was a great weekend for a festival!

First of all, I want to thank all the wonderful patrons who came out to visit. I loved meeting and chatting with each and every one of you! It was also absolutely wonderful meeting and chatting with other artists. Something that I really need to do a lot more of, instead of staying in my studio totally focused on working! I received so many nice complements.

Some patrons could see my love for Wayne Thiebaud in my work. Someone said my work reminded them of Carol Marine's work. Which totally bowled me over. I'm such a fan!

When I got in the car all I could say..."Now what?" Which is what I'm thinking right now...now what! We'll see...

I'll probably be taking a few more days off from painting. My studio is a total mess along with the house. The laundry needs to be done, etc!

See you in a few days!!

Back to Festival Prep

It's happening this weekend you guys! The art festival...my first EVER!!

1. Painting inventory - I have just tons of paintings! For the art festival I'm concentrating on my oil paintings. I have to decide which I will hang with a frame and which will not be framed. I have 79 oil paintings and 28 acrylic to show at the art festival!
2. Add hangers to the backs of paintings - This is for the non-framed paintings. I hope to give you a little tutorial on this soon!
3. Record information - I like to record information on the back of each painting...and I'm a bit behind at the moment!!
4. Website design - finally! I had a good thing going over on heatherhingst.com, but it felt weird to not include my whole name. I used to use just Heather Bennett, but do you know how many "Heather Bennett's" there are? A lot. So, soon you can visit heatherhingstbennett.com! I didn't get as far on this as I had hoped.
5. Facebook Fan Page - I've been putting this off for a few years now. I just don't know what to call it. Heather Hingst Bennett Fine Art, Heather Hingst Bennett Studio, etc...what? Suggestions are welcome!! Doing this after the festival!
6. Epson Stylus Photo R1900 - Order ink and paper to make prints. 
7. Props for festival tent.
8. Prints
9. Artist statement handout.

Reclining Apple - SOLD

"Reclining Apple" 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

Teacher's Pet

"Teacher's Pet" 

6x6, oil on hardboard 

Available at Art & Soul from November 25 to December 31.

Tomorrow, Wear Your Tangerine Skirt

"Tangerine Skirt" 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

Or not...it's just the title of this post and painting.  

Top Stitching

"Top Stitching" 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

Another skirt. I've really been digging in the back of my closet! I love the top stitching on this skirt and the wide waistband. Looks super cute worn with leggings, ballet flats or boots...and my usual t-shirt.

I can't believe that it's already Friday. AND Paint Party Friday! So stop by and see what everyone has been painting this week and make sure to share your painting link on the Paint Party Friday blog.

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great weekend!

Red - SOLD

"Red"

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

Still having fun with these skirts! I think I'll try them in watercolor soon...

Working Girl Plaid

"Working Girl Plaid" 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

This was one of my favorite work skirts...not too long, not too short! Some days I miss getting dressed up to go into the office! I have all these great work clothes that just don't get used any more. Oh well!  

School Girl

"School Girl"

6"x6", oil on hardboard

When I see a skirt like this I can't help but think "Back to School." I got a little caught up in the plaid this time, I might give this another try soon.

Soft Beauty - SOLD

"Soft Beauty" 

6"x6", oil and collage paper on hardboard  

So, I thought I'd try something different today. I glued some scrapbook paper on hardboard, painted clear gesso over it and painted on top of it all. It was kind-of a nice twist on the usual still life. It was fun to come up with a way to incorporate the paper.

Bleu

"Bleu" 

6"x6", oil on hardboard
SOLD   

Happy Friday!  

Red Velvet - SOLD

"Red Velvet"

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

Yummy! I wish I could eat it, but I want to paint it at least one more time!!  

Just One

"Just One" 

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on hardboard

The perspective is off on the cup. I even tried to make it better, but today just wasn't my day.

Red Pepper Row - SOLD

"Red Pepper Row" 

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

In the studio early this morning. I have quite a few errands to run today. I have a feeling this week is going to go super fast!

Last weekend I collected quite a few new "perishable" models to paint. So, I'm trying to get through them before they spoil. Green Bags to the rescue!  

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

Hot Plate - SOLD

"Hot Plate" 

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

If you couldn't already tell...the paint is still really, really wet. It was good to get back to what I love!

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New!!

New painting tomorrow! I'm really excited to start painting again!

Today we visited my husbands parents. My mother-in-law has a huge garden and we brought home some fresh tomatoes, peppers, and sunflowers.They just might turn up in a painting tomorrow!

The picture above is their barn. Love it! I've been wanting to paint that too.

Still No Cake - SOLD

"Still No Cake" 

©2010 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on stretched canvas 

We do have cheesecake! Yummy!

Back to this weeks list:

1. Painting inventory - I have just tons of paintings! For the art festival I'm concentrating on my oil paintings. I have to decide which I will hang with a frame and which will not be framed. I have 70 paintings to show at the art festival!
2. Add hangers to the backs of paintings - This is for the non-framed paintings. I hope to give you a little tutorial on this soon!
3. Record information - I like to record information on the back of each painting...and I'm a bit behind at the moment!!
4. Website design - finally! I had a good thing going over on heatherhingst.com, but it felt weird to not include my whole name. I used to use just Heather Bennett, but do you know how many "Heather Bennett's" there are? A lot. So, soon you can visit heatherhingstbennett.com!
5. Facebook Fan Page - I've been putting this off for a few years now. I just don't know what to call it. Heather Hingst Bennett Fine Art, Heather Hingst Bennett Studio, etc...what? Suggestions are welcome!!
6. Epson Stylus Photo R1900 - Order ink and paper to make prints. 
7. Props for festival tent.

Today I want to add hangers and record information on the back of the paintings. Maybe I'll have a little tutorial on how to make the hangers tomorrow along with a painting from the past. I haven't made these hangers myself, so we'll have to see how it goes.  

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

Purse Straps - SOLD

"Purse Straps"

©2010 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on stretched canvas 

And the older paintings just keep coming!!

I'll get back to my normal painting schedule next week. This week I'm concentrating on getting my stuff in gear for the Lincoln Arts Festival. It's only one month away!!

Here's my to do list for the week:

1. Painting inventory - I have just tons of paintings! For the art festival I'm concentrating on my oil paintings. I have to decide which I will hang with a frame and which will not be framed.
2. Add hangers to the backs of paintings - This is for the non-framed paintings. I hope to give you a little tutorial on this soon!
3. Record information - I like to record information on the back of each painting...and I'm a bit behind at the moment!!
4. Website design - finally! I had a good thing going over on heatherhingst.com, but it felt weird to not include my whole name. I used to use just Heather Bennett, but do you know how many "Heather Bennett's" there are? A lot. So, soon you can visit heatherhingstbennett.com!
5. Facebook Fan Page - I've been putting this off for a few years now. I just don't know what to call it. Heather Hingst Bennett Fine Art, Heather Hingst Bennett Studio, etc...what? Suggestions are welcome!!
6. Epson Stylus Photo R1900 - Order ink and paper to make prints. 
7. Props for festival tent.

I'll probably be setting up my festival tent the week of September 19. Doing more planning then!

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

Forty-One

"Where's The Cake" 

©2010 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on stretched canvas 

Where's the cake? The birthday girl ate it...that would be me!!! It's my 41st birthday today.

And my 203rd post!! Time does fly.

To celebrate I'm going to have FREE shipping and 40% OFF in both my Etsy shops today only!!
You must use the coupon codes...FREE41 for free shipping and 41BDAY for 40% off!!

Visit Painted Chic! and modernQUILT today!!!  

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

Another Past Painting

"Hanging Around" 

©2010 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on stretched canvas 

Continuing with the red purse theme...I painted this on January 27, 2010.

Hope you're having a great weekend. I had a headache that totally shut me down for most of the day yesterday. I don't get them very often, but when I do they send me to bed. I was actually in tears. I'm very happy to report that I'm feeling much, much better today.  

SOLD. Thanks!

A Blast From the Past

"Red Purse" 

©2010 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on stretched canvas 

Just as I start painting again, I realized that I really need to be getting my stuff together for the Lincoln Arts Festival which starts September 24.

So, I thought I would just post paintings from the past until I get everything ready to go. It will also give me an opportunity to get everything moved over to this blog.

The painting above was originally painted on January 26, 2010 and was posted on a different blog. This is one of my first still life paintings that I painted on stretched canvas and not on paper.

SOLD.Thanks!

Tea Time

"Tea Time" 

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett 

6"x6", oil on hardboard 

Yes, I think it is tea time! Let's go enjoy a cup. :)  

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Tea For Two

"Tea for Two" 

© 2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard  

Things went a little smoother today.

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Lemon Days

"Lemon Days"
©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett
6"x6", oil on hardboard

A bittersweet start to painting. There's always that first painting after you have taken a break. The paintings that I dub "not so good" usually end up growing on me. AND they usually sell. I kid you not! I'm always very surprised. So, it just goes to show you that you are your own worse critic.

I've also decided that I'm just going to be painting Monday - Friday. I think I need to let myself take some breaks.

AND my exciting thought is...more torn collage paintings!
AND how about a COLLAGE - ALONG very soon!
SO start saving your colorful junk mail!!

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End of Summer Break

Well, I've been taking a little break haven't I? It really wasn't planned, but it felt so good to just enjoy the last bit of summer. My son returns to school on Tuesday of this week and I'll start my painting up again. I just want to thank those that stop by my blog. I have some fun stuff lined up that you won't want to miss!!

Blue Plate Stack - SOLD

"Blue Plate Stack"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

I have such a hard time painting apples and plates. I just don't get the side of the plate quite high enough and the little dimple of the apple where the stem is usually gets lost by the time I'm done painting. Oh, well...there's always next time.

But I do like the colors and the little rose bud pattern on the table.

Grandma's Loveseat - SOLD

"Grandma's Loveseat"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

Grandma's loveseat is now at my house. When she moved out of her house to go into an assisted living home she called and asked if there was anything I wanted of hers. Without hesitation I said I wanted her loveseat pair. And she said...They're yours! I think she was really happy and maybe surprised that I wanted something like that from her home. They are very special to me because I can remember spending the night at her house with ALL my cosines and sleeping on the loveseats...until I got to tall.

I can't believe this the last day of JULY! Wow! Where is the summer going? The countdown is on for back to school at our house. (I think I'm the only one counting down.) Tonight we're trying to get back on a more responsible bedtime...no more midnight hanging out around here!!

Summer - SOLD

"Summer"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

Dexter the Robot

"Dexter the Robot"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

I asked my son what I should name this robot. He suggested "Dexter." So, Dexter it is. Have a wonderful weekend!

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!

Take Me To Your Leader

"Take Me To Your Leader"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. FREE SHIPPING! Thanks!

Soda Bottle and Paper Flowers - SOLD

"Soda Bottle and Paper Flowers"

©2011 Heather HIngst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

My husband and son recently took a trip to Rocket Fizz and came back with some yummy soda pops. Full or cane sugar. Yes! The real stuff!!

Textile Tuesday

"Color Story No. 7"

©2010 Heather Hingst Bennett

12"x12", art quilt mounted on stretched canvas, cotton fabric hand-dyed by the artist

Welcome to another Textile Tuesday. 

Season 9 of Project Runway Starts July 28. Unfortunately, we not longer have cable, so I'll have to wait for the episodes to be posted online. I'm heading over right now to check out the new designers.

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here to bid or send me an email. Thanks!

Paper Flowers in a Bottle - SOLD

"Paper Flowers in a Bottle"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

Love the colors in this one!

My Adrienne Vittadini - SOLD

"My Adrienne Vittadini"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

I purchased this handbag by Adrienne Vittadini in 1992/1993. It was when color blocking was all the rage. One side of the bag is black and the other is white.

It's on the Doorknob - SOLD

"It's on the Doorknob"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

I don't know how many times a day I loose track of my purse...and my cell phone.

Paper Flowers in Pink

"Paper Flowers in Pink"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

So pretty in pink!

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Paper Flowers No. 2

"Paper Flowers No. 2"

©2011 Heather Hingst Bennett

6"x6", oil on hardboard

I love painting these paper flowers!! You can see my first "Paper Flowers" here.

TO PURCHASE :: Just click here or send me an email. Thanks!