Mark Your Calendars - April 24th

Finally, it's SPRING!  Yay!  A little chilly today after 70's and 80's but at least it's promising.

Also FINALLY, we have an opening date and I'M IN at High Cotton Art's Center...(the former W. E. Estes building in downtown Athens) I will be moving in this week...April 1st. Our grand opening to the public will be April 24th.  Mark your calendar now.  More info will follow as we near that date.  I hope to see all of you then.

Meanwhile I've been working on things to have on display there and racking my brain on how to decorate my space. Here's a start on how the front window display will look.

As you can see from the photo, we have wire surrounding our spaces which is great for hanging things but I'd like a solid background that will let the air through.  I've thought of a couple of things but would love your ideas. (Burlap is out due to allergies)  Whadya think? More photos and info here under "High Cotton Arts".

There are 10 artist studio spaces and 8 of the 10 are spoken for already I understand.  We will have a variety of hand made items on display in our studios/spaces as well as the gallery space and windows.  There is opportunity to display work in the gallery if you are not ready for a space just yet, for a small monthly fee.   We will also have class room space so look forward to class offerings. Join our Facebook page "Athens Art League" to keep up with what's going on.

I have been asked to be on the Executive Committee for the Art League and am excited to be a part of that too.  It's going to get real exciting starting April 1! We will initially be open to the public each Friday and Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Other times we will have quiet time to work in our studios.

This is a dream coming true for me and all of us on the Arts League.  It's also a great happening for Athens and I so appreciate all of the work of those who have been a part of the Athens Arts League and the Spirit of Athens for years.  They've done great work.

I can't wait to get in there and get set to see what else springs forth on my artistic journey.  Please forward this post, my blog (www.tinaswindell.blogspot.com) and website (www.tinaswindell.com)on to others who may be interested and ask them to join my e-mail list from the web site and hang with me!  I'll try to blog once a week in the future. Let me know what kinds of things you'd like to see on my posts. I'd love your feedback!

Be well!

Tina

 

New "Cardinal on the Elk" Frosted Mug

"Cardinal on the Elk" Frosted Tall Mug by Swindell_Fine_Arts

Hi there!

Hope you're staying warm and cozy during this cold weather. Hang on!  SPRING is just around the corner!

While we're talking "Snow" though, I've designed something special for that nice HOT beverage you're drinking (or cold if you prefer that'll work too :).  Click here to order a "Cardinal on the Elk" frosted mug for you and/or someone special.  Let me know if you have any trouble with ordering and I'll be happy to help you out.  Just e-mail me at tinas@pclnet.net.

Special thanks to my fellow artist Gwendolyn Christopher for the beautiful photography inspiration for this painting! She's been showing off the beauty of North Alabama's Elk River all winter.  Amazing photos!  You can order prints, cards, pillows, mouse pads and  other items using Gwen's photography as well as my paintings from our Fine Art America sites.

Please comment and let me know what you think about this sparkly new mug.  (Can't wait to get one myself.) I'd love your feedback.  Do you think I should offer other items with my artwork like this?  What painting would you suggest?

Also, be sure to sign up and follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Linked In and all of that, and especially my mailing list (See the side bar).  Things should be picking up with the warm weather and I'll be posting often.

More soon!

Tina

We're On Our Way To Mars!

Congratulations NASA on the successful launch of Orion today!  We're on our way to Mars!

The painting above is from the Chandra Launch.  Orion launch painting coming soon to my Fine Art America site! View and purchase prints of launch paintings here launch paintings


Kicking off the future with the test flight of Orion. We're "Keeping on our Dancin' Shoes" as Dr. Von Braun suggested back in the 60's. Thank God Dreams Survive.

Proud of my NASA career which I will be retiring from in 3 WEEKS!  Yikes!  Stay tuned! #Orion

Link now available for purchasing "Sing Along Songs" (for Pre-Schoolers)

Some of you may have seen a story recently about our latest creative happening...
News Courier Article.  We're really happy to get this little item off our "bucket list" and give Mr. Roddie Lott credit long overdue on some fine art work and share our little "Sing Along Songs" with some pre-schoolers.  As you can read in the article that Karen Middleton so graciously penned, this project has been a LONG time in the making.  She did a great job writing about it so I won't bore you with more detail.  Just wanted to let everybody know that the book/cd's are now available by clicking the "Buy Now" link located in the column to the right on this blog. (No the red and green highlights were an accident, not to discreetly remind you that this would be a great Christmas gift for the Grandchildren/nieces/nephews : ) LOL....and yes, I did see a lit Christmas tree on my way home from Sister Grace rehearsal tonight...can you believe that!  Let's do HALLOWEEN first, please!

Also note that we ran out but have now printed more Sister Grace CD's and they too can be purchased by clicking on the CD image to the right.

Books and CD's are also available at Pablos and Champagne Lane Antiques in Athens. 

Just one photo from fun times at the Fiddlers Convention...whew, that was intense...and it's almost been a month!  We saw everyone we've ever known from these parts I think!   Kudos to everyone involved in organizing that event for our town every year!

I want to thank everyone for being so supportive in all these endeavors.,, and  don't think that Mr. Bill Swindell is not involved in these projects.  Who do you think is keeping me in gear! : )

Love to all!

Tina

The Latest from Swindell Fine Arts

Hi there,

It's been a while but I've been very busy on my art lately.  Here are some highlights.
I finished a bridal portrait that I've been working on since my last showcase in Franklin at Wedding 101.  Here's pretty Mrs. Bree Davis McConnell, my sweet friend and the daughter of my BFF Robye Andrews.....

                                                            20" x 16" Oil on Canvas
I have to include the photo that I painted from so you know that I do somehow (unbeknownst to me if that's a word) get an uncanny likeness in my portraits.  I attribute that to "a God thing". Of course Robye took the photo and is quite an accomplished photographer so I had a great source to work from.

In addition to that I was extremely inspired by a photo my friend in Utah, Kristi Jensen posted recently on Facebook (what would we do without that communication channel...I fear I would be cut off from the rest of the planet as a person who likes to keep to myself.)  ...anyway, I saw this beautiful photo which I'm not sure she took or her husband Chuck who is also quite a photographer.

I was so inspired that I immediately got up and went to work on painting this on a board that had been sitting on my easel for weeks behind other stuff waiting for the right thing to put on it.  Here's how that turned out...

                                                                  12" x 36" Oil on board
Now I'm working on some prints from my paintings as well as pricing some originals for my FIRST Art Stroll...First time I've exhibited my art.  I'm excited!  It will be on the Athens Courthouse square on Friday, July 26 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  Please come!

See you there!

Tina

Oil Wedding Portrait Give Away!

Did a painting for my sweet friend Jennifer for her birthday of her daughter and new son-in-law, Britney and Joey Cashell. Jen and I have been friends forever.  It looks great on her mantel!

If you know a bride to be, tell her to e-mail me with her name and wedding date and the subject "Free Photography Shoot and Portrait Giveaway" and I will enter her in a drawing for a package that includes a free portrait photography session with Elizabeth Jean Photography in Nashville AND I will be painting a 16 x 20 portrait from one of the photographs from the shoot.  The drawing will be at the end of the summer.  Also, tell them to drop by Wedding 101 in Franklin, TN at The Factory on June 29th and meet Elizabeth Jean and me...we'll be doing a showcase from 11:00 to 3:00 that day.  They can also meet with one of the bridal consultants for tips on all kinds of things related to the wedding! It's all free!
Elizabeth Jean and I are going to be teaming up for more exciting things that will involve the whole bridal party...face shots and paint nights!  

See more  of my work  www.tinaswindell.com  

E-mail me:  TinaS@pclnet.net

Win a FREE Portrait - Visit Wedding 101 on May 18th!

I'm so excited to be having a showcase at Wedding 101 at The Factory in Franklin Tennessee from 11:00 to 3:00 on Saturday May 18th.  Please stop by to see me and register for the free head and shoulders portrait...a $1000 value!  You'll also have the opportunity to visit with other vendors who will be there too! Talk to Elizabeth Jean Photography and test taste Party Pops and Cupcakes by Julie! Browse the showroom for all of the other vendors who have portfolios and displays there.

http://nashville.wedding101.net/event/bridal-portrait-artist-showcase-tina-swindell/

Check out the other vendors on the Wedding 101 calendar http://nashville.wedding101.net/events/

Please forward this information to others who may be interested. Even if you've been married for a while and would like a portrait from one of your wedding photos or if you are a Mother who would love to have a portrait of your daughter from her wedding day. It will be a 22" x 18"  head and shoulders portrait and the subject can be yo mama if you want it to be!  : )  It doesn't even have to be a bride!) 

See you there!

 
Tina

John's Birthday

Recently a sweet friend commissioned me to paint a portrait of her husband for his 80th birthday.  What an honor. It was presented to him at his surprise party.  He didn't know what to say bless his heart.  He had family here from all over the world and a beautiful celebration. Bill and I were happy to be a part of it.

Little Lance

Here's my latest painting commission.  Lance's sweet little face was such a joy to paint.  His Dad wanted him standing on the tracks...kind of scary huh!  The composition was a little tricky.  I learn a bit each time I do a painting.  This time perspective was a challenge as well as form...then there's always the warm and cool shadows...so many things to think about when you paint a piece. I suppose this will end up being a New Year's present.  Dr. Harris picked it up today.  Can't wait to hear what his wife thought of it and to see it framed in that new home they're planning!

Lance 48" x 30" oil on canvas

Hatfield in the Day

Oh sweet memories of going to the old Hatfield Drive-In in Athens, AL.  Those were the days when life was a little less complicated.  Went there the first time with my brother and his girlfriend and the brother came back from the snack bar with an upside down pizza : )  Several years later my husband of 34 years takes me there on our first date...in his little blue Volkswagen, in the rain....but we didn't care.  I still have one of their speakers...but that's another story!

You can order prints, cards, or the original from FINEARTAmerica.com just look me up.
(Or call 256-497-3838).

Easter Lilacs

I grew up smelling the beautiful fragrance of Lilacs on the breeze coming through the open windows on Easter.  This Easter I was inspired by that wonderful smell once again and tried to capture it in this painting.
If you're interested in this or any of my other paintings or a commissioned painting please call me at 256-497-3838.  Also visit my website www.tinaswindell.com  and my FineArtAmerica.com site where prints are available for purchase matted and framed to your specifications.

Tranquility in a Sea of Tourists - The Painting (Finally)

 

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/1-tranquility-in-a-sea-of-tourists-tina-swindell.html

Here's my latest painting.... a more loosly done than normal for me, textured rendition of a sweet memory from our trip to Italy and Germany last summer.  Can't wait to do more when there's more TIME!  (Well, I guess there's only so much time, it's a matter of where you spend it huh?)  The original is for sale @ $150 and it is a 20" x 16" oil on canvas.  Prints on canvas as well as framed and matted to your specifications of this and many other works are available at the fineartamerica site linked above.  Thanks for stopping by!

Spring Florals

If you love floral prints, check out these florals on FineArtAmerica (including mine).
floral paintings

Daniel Pollera and a Great dentist in Fairfax VA!

You never know when something sweet is going to happen.

I went to the dentist here in DC recently...a new dentist, Dr. Mary Stuart Gallian in Fairfax, VA, who was recommended by my dentist in Alabama, Dr. Jeremiah Harris.  Dr. Gallian had a print of a beautiful painting by Daniel Pollera on the wall in the room where I was "worked on".  I absolutely fell in love with it.  It's called "Snug Harbor".  Before I left her office I went on and on about how it looked like exactly where I want to retire.  He captured such a mood in his meticulous oil rendering.  I even went back and took a snapshot with my I-phone of the print which was beautifully matted and framed.  I went back for my "permanent crown" a few weeks later and the framed print was sitting in the front office with my name on it!  The dentist had been given some new art work by her husband and had to hang it somewhere.  She thought of how much I loved the print and GAVE it to me!  It's now in my temporary apartment here in DC and will go with me back to my home in Alabama at the end of this month.  It's something I will always treasure. 

I guess I was a little carried away with the painting...love it when that happens!  I want to paint more paintings that carry you away!

Check out more of Daniel Pollera paintings at http://www.danielpollera.com/

Hey and check out my new logo!

 Cool huh?

Lest Ye Think I've Been Resting on my Laurels...

That's another way of saying, yes, I have been painting a little while living in DC.  It's been hard to squeeze it in but here's some recent work. Life is fast paced here in D.C., loving it!  Expecting more time to paint when I'm back in Alabama in May.  We're trying to take it all in while we can 

Whew! What a week! Politics, Politics, Politics!

   Wow, what a week here in D.C.  I was right up there in the middle of the vote on increasing the debt ceiling.  We were actually on the House Floor watching as the voting was going on right up until just a few minutes before Gabriel Giffords came in.  Unfortunately there was such a crowd we were ushered out just before that happened and I saw it on TV when I got home.  I was on "the hill" taking a seminar in "Congressional Operations" that I was very fortunate to get into.  It was a great 4 days finding out what really goes on in the halls of congress...and walking those halls and listening to Senate and House hearings.  

   One of the hearings I attended was on the severe drought that is happening in Africa.  39,000 have died in the past 90 days due to starvation, disease, and extreme conditions as they are refugees fleeing from the fighting in Somalia.  The drought has come on top of the terrible conditions with the conflict there.  They told of one woman who had carried her child on her back for 9 days with no food to speak of.  Our burdens here are so light in comparison to this and many other areas of the world. Even here in our own country there are so many suffering.  

   Another hearing I listened to, again about Africa, was a doctor who had been working at a clinic there and has developed a new method of treating hydrosephalic babies.  The incidence of this in Africa is much greater than in the U.S. and there are only about 4 neurosurgeons to handle all of the cases.  Many more deaths are happening due to this problem.  Our leaders have difficult jobs.  I know we're all cynical but we need to choose wisely who we vote for and look out for the good of everyone, not just our own interests.

   Meanwhile, every day this week I listened to the Daily Audio Bible on my I-phone and guess where they are broadcasting from?  Africa.  I believe there's a reason God is opening my eyes to all these things.  I met someone in the seminar from JSC (Houston) who has been working with a group in Africa and they've dug a well in the community.  I may have to get involved. Maybe you should too.

   In addition to all that I sold my original of my "Ready to Ride" painting this week. Cool!  Prints are available on my FineArtAmerica site if you're interested. I've spent 26 years of my career with the shuttle program.  We will definitely want to remember this era so this is one that I hope folks will want to have.  

The funny thing was, I had to have it shipped from Alabama to Alexandria which is just down the road from where I'm living in Arlington.  Not sure how the buyer found my site but it was a birthday gift for her husband.  Thanks to my friend Rhonda for handling that shipping for me.

   Hope you're doing well and, if you're back home, I hope you have power and no damage!  Bad storms in Alabama AGAIN!  What's up wi dat!

...and btw...GO JUNO to Jupiter!  Nice launch today.

Take care!

Tina

Where Does Time Go?

I can't believe it's almost the end of June and time for the fireworks of the Fourth!  We've been so busy since about mid-April there has not been time to look up.  We've moved to D.C. for a year and it's just now beginning to kind of feel like home.  We've been home to Alabama twice on whirlwind trips and, though I miss friends and family, I'm adjusting to life here.  It's good to be off the road and home to "Home 2" since we've been on the road for 10 days with my job and for a quick trip home.  I haven't touched a paint brush in months but plan to start doing a little painting here soon.  I'll post when I can.  Meanwhile, enjoy the 4th! Also, check out this blog that I just ran across...  Fiona and Twig ...cool stuff.

Lady Di...Oil on Canvas 18" x 22"

What a beauty she was.  Tragedy that we lost her.  With the royal wedding coming up I thought of her and wanted to add her to my portfolio.  Prints available on FineArtAmerica.com under my site shortly. 

Purchase framed fine art prints on FineArtAmerica and let me know what you think!

oil framed prints

a series of small serendipities...: Austria is AWESOME!

You must check out my daughter's blog and keep up with her life in Germany...
a series of small serendipities...: Austria is AWESOME!: "A friend and I took a trip to Innsbruck a few days ago. We had a day off and decided to get out of town and see something. Innsbruck, Austri..."