Original Gouache Painting: “The Teddy Bear Sentinels”
This gouache (opaque watercolor) painting is of my son. One night, when he was little, I went into his room to make certain he was covered up and sleeping peacefully. He was, and………I felt as if I was being watched! All those eyes staring at me! All his precious teddy bears (the sentinels!) gathered around this little boy, in his red and white seersucker jammies and baseball cap, as if they were guarding him through the night. Adam is an adult now, and I still hope he has guardians (of a higher level than teddy bears) watching out for him all the time, not just when he’s sleeping.
Original Acrylic Painting: “Down at the Pond”
"Down at the Pond"
This original acrylic painting is one I’m particularly fond of. It’s of my daughter and isn’t for sale, ever! All the neighborhood kids had gone down to the local pond one summer afternoon with our little dog. It was only a short distance from the house. After about an hour had gone by, I decided to walk down there and see what they were up to. Katrina was very busy, concentrating ever-so-intently, on retrieving something out of the water. The dog was eagerly awaiting the prize when I snapped this picture. Later I asked what she was trying to dig out of the water. Her response. “Mud!”. Oh, the joys of just being a kid.
You can purchase a giclee print of this painting at:is http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/suzanne-schaefer.html
Autumn Along the Stillaquamish
North of where I live, there is a beautiful, meandering river called the Stillaquamish. Although it is gorgeous anytime of year, it is particularly colorful and serene in the fall. The original painting has been sold, however a giclee print can be purchased at http://www.fineartamerica.com/profiles/suzanne-schaefer.html
Is Your Self-Image Really Yours?
Every child arrives on the planet with no “self-image“. He or she simply arrives an innocent blank slate, and from that moment on, EVERY experience leaves an impression on the slate. And every impression, whether positive or negative, contributes to that child’s “self-image”.
I grew up being told that to paint and draw was an OK hobby, something to hang on your wall or give away to friends and family, but really……..don’t ever expect that such a trivial pasttime could become a serious career. When it came time for college, I was not allowed to attend a design school, but instead attended a state university to pursue a degree in elementary education. By the time I was a junior and actually got into a classroom to do my student teaching, it was too much! I quit, found a job in a women’s apparel store doing their newspaper art and copywriting, and then went home and announced my decision to my devastated, disappointed parents.
To really claim my self-image as my own has required discipline and determination, introspection and a huge dose of trust. It isn’t easy to erase those old, limiting beliefs, but it is possible. My parents, products of the great depression, weren’t intentionally trying to limit my potential. In their minds, they were only steering me on a more secure path to success. Unfortunately, by doing so, I had to stifle what I was passionate about……….painting and drawing!
Finally I can say my self-image truly is MY self-image, but it has taken years to arrive here. Is your self-image really yours?
Hair
What d'ya mean...you don't like my hair????
I find it very interesting that in this culture hair is such a big deal. Baldness for many men is simply unacceptable. Women spend gabillions of dollars on products to enchance their “crowning glory”. Do you suppose we’ve been sold again?
After living most of my life believing this imposed standard, I decided at about the age of 45 to stop playing the game and went with a short do. As the years have passed, it’s gotten shorter, and it’s been most interesting to witness various reactions. You can learn sooo much about someone by observing how they respond to you or your look.
One day a few years ago, I was in my realtor’s office to sign papers on a house I had sold. Midway through the process, another realtor entered the office and we were introduced. He took one look at me and said “Hey Butch! (chuckle, chuckle, smirk, smirk) My hair is longer than yours!” I was floored and what came out of my mouth even surprised me. “Oh my God! You’ve just told me so much about yourself!” He didn’t get it. “What d’ya mean?” he asked. All I could say was “Dah…..think about it!” After leaving the office, I thought of sooooo many come-backs I “could” have said. Like “Ohhh, I thought it was growing back so nicely after my therapy!” Perhaps THAT would have caused him to think twice the next time he felt so inclined to judge another simply based on their appearance. But I doubt it.
Welcome to a website honoring creativity!
Keebler Alf
My name is Suzanne Schaefer and I’ve literally been painting, drawing, sculpting, and discovering new ways to create my entire life. I live in the glorious Pacific Northwest, an empty-nester sharing my home with my long-time companion, my dog, 15 year old Keebler Alf. Remember that 80’s TV show, ALF? Well…doesn’t he look like him? That is a painting I did of him a few years ago, but he still looks the same. Cute, cute, too cute dog!
Although I’m really brand new at this blogging business, it’s time to not only share some of my creations/artwork but to communicate with others who are equally passionate about creating “stuff”, be it jewelry, paintings, drawings, sewn items, whatever. And…….creating the life you really want. We all have that power. We are, afterall, creating a life with every thought we think, whether we’re aware of it or not. So this blog is all about creating, creating, creating. Creating beautiful, magical, wonderous stuff, and a life that we truly love. I’ll be sharing some true stories, random thoughts and some observations along the way and hope you’ll join the conversation.
As I learn what I’m doing here, the look of this website will probably change frequently, at least at first. But…I’m excited and looking forward to the entire experience!
Welcome to onewomansart.com!
