Varla Bishop Acrylic, Landscape, portrait, Wildlife

Spring is Coming

“Mama I’m Hungry”
9×12 acrylic on canvas

By the time March gets here I’m ready for spring. I’m thinking of flower beds, gardens and enjoying as much time as I can outside. I saw my first robin a few weeks ago which put me in the mood to paint birds. I did two. There is still snow on the ground but spring is coming. Just a few more winter storms and cold walks and then everything becomes new again.

I’ve got my list of projects just need to wait a few weeks more. ❤️

“Back Home”
6×6 acrylic on canvas (sold)

Varla Bishop Acrylic, flowers, Landscape

The Perfect Spot

I love to go to garage sales, flea markets and resale stores like Goodwill and St. Vincent. I’m always looking for good deals and unusual finds. When I find something awesome my husband usually asks “but where will you put it?” That isn’t always an easy question to answer. If truth be told I sometimes ask myself that question but I won’t admit that.

As an artist I’m always looking for good picture frames. Sometimes the frame and picture is so perfect that I buy it with the intention of painting over the picture. It’s the perfect example of recycling. So this last picture/frame combination that I bought I had an excellent idea for a painting.

Turned out this was no canvas board I was painting on. Holy cow was this hard to paint on!! The paint wouldn’t move and seemed to be absorb to quickly into the surface. Fortunately I was determined.

I showed my husband my finished product. He loved it. I told him I know exactly where this painting needs to go. I know the space that needs a splash of color. We need this in our dining room!!!

Varla Bishop Acrylic, Business Side of Painting, Landscape, Wildlife

Artscape 2022 – Eagle River

I’m pleased to post that for a second year one of my paintings will be on display in Eagle River, Wisconsin as part of their Artscape Program. What I like about this program is how easy it is to participate. I had to send a high quality digital photo of my painting or photograph to the coordinator. She then seeks sponsors who pay to have that image put onto a banner. That banner will hang on Main Street for the summer and will be auctioned off at a later date. All proceeds go to the community.

I love the concept of artists and photographers helping to make a community beautiful. We always need some beauty in our lives. People are dealing with some hard issues. The pandemic has not been easy for any of us. I am thankful that I’ve had a release in painting. While I paint I don’t have to think about all that saddens and worries me at the moment. I can take my brush, pick a color, and get lost for a couple of hours. I found my happy place.