Monday, June 21, 2010

The Old Post Road and A Giveaway


My last giveaway got such a great response, (thanks so much everyone!), that I thought I would follow it up with another amazing giveaway this week.  This one is for an original painting by Trish Jones, and I'm so excited to tell you more about Trish and her beautiful artwork!

If you have never had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful artwork created by Trish from The Old Post Road blog then you really have been missing something.

Trish, who sells her colorful, fun, and inspirational artwork on Etsy, is as kind as she is talented!  She was one of the first bloggers I met here in Blogland, and she has been so supportive of both me and my blog from the very beginning!

Not only is Trish kind, but she is also a generous soul with an abiding faith, and even though I'm a very private person when it comes to my own spirituality, I have great admiration for how Trish uses some of her art to express herself and her beliefs.  I think you'll agree after seeing some of her wonderful paintings that with or without the addition of scripture, her artwork is truly inspiring!

So when Trish offered to let me use one of her gorgeous original paintings as a Giveaway I was thrilled!  I also had a chance to ask her a few questions about her work and how she came to develop such a love for her craft!



How long have you been painting and how did you get started?

I started painting about 2 or 3 years ago.  I've always been artistic, and I offered to paint some backdrops for a play my daughter was in.  It was fun and easy for me, so I then began painting canvases and placing  them on Ebay to see if anyone else (besides my family) would like my art.  Ebay items sold fairly quickly, but at a low price.  I opened an Etsy shop, but was "chicken" to list any of my art.  One day on the way to school, my daughter said "why do you keep buying so many canvases?  You aren't selling any art."  I went home that morning and placed my first paintings on Etsy.  I sold a painting within the first five minutes of opening my Etsy shop!




Your artwork is so cheerful, colorful, and upbeat...where do you draw your inspiration from, and are there certain artists or pieces of art that have inspired you over the years?

I love color and I love flowers.  Also, I have always been drawn to folk art and to still life paintings and landscapes.  I think almost any painting can be beautiful if the colors are right.  I cannot think of a particular artist  -other than maybe Norman Rockwell (wasn't he wonderful!?).  Yet, my style is certainly not reflective of his.  I have been dragging my family into art galleries for years and have a wide range of tastes, but I am always attracted to nice color.

 


You sell both original pieces of art as well as prints in your Etsy store, can you explain what a Giclee Print actually is?

A giclee print actually is a method used to make a print.  Giclee (pronounced "zhee-clay") uses digital images to print with archival quality ink on archival quality paper.  I order all of my prints from a professional art printer.  I love the heavy Somerset Velvet paper they use for my prints.  It is a sturdy watercolor-like paper with some "depth" to it.  I considered investing in a quality color printer (I have a fairly decent one, already) and just printing from home, but realized that I simply could not duplicate the quality of the Giclee prints that I purchase from the professionals.   




As a busy wife and mother, when do you find time to paint, and do you have a studio in your house where you work?

I actually began painting when my consulting business declined.  Art is my "recession career!"  It is difficult to find time to paint when the kids are extra-busy, but the entire family has actually been supportive of my new hobby.  Their only complaint is when I sell my art.  They do not like to part with anything I paint.  My art studio is a separate room in my home with two large windows that provide lots of natural light.  Some friends have been encouraging my artistic ability and gave me their drafting table last year. 




Are you able to do custom artwork for someone and do you also do commercial work, such as logos and signage for businesses?

I have produced several custom scripture art pieces for new babies, nieces, mothers, mothers-in-law, etc.  Custom work is difficult if there are too many constraints - like "can you paint these two very long verses with lots of orange and purple and brown and I would like some birds and flowers on the 12x12 canvas- but nothing too busy."  I am slowly learning how to say "I don't think you will like how that will look."
 

I have not done any commercial work, other than backdrops for various community theater plays.  I painted three very large Santas for a local toy store last Christmas.  We drive past the store daily and just last week my 11-year-old son said "Their best window display was last Christmas."   Like I said - my family is very supportive of my art!
 




Do you ship internationally or only in North America?

I've only been shipping to the U.S. and Canada.  If someone overseas contacted me and offered to pay the additional shipping costs, I would probably oblige.




How do you think you've grown as an artist and do you see yourself venturing in other directions with your art, such as new subject matter or media?

I am slowly growing as an artist and actually think that my art is a way that God is working on my insecurities.  At first, I was embarrassed to let anyone know that I painted.  And, even  now, I will have an occasional day where I wonder if I should just throw my brushes away.  During those times, God either sends someone to compliment my work or purchase a piece - or I just have an urge to paint for fun.  

I am realizing that in every aspect of my life, I care less and less about what "the world" thinks of me (and my abilities), and am aiming to please God.  I know that my artistic abilities are a "work in progress" and hope to one day produce beautiful landscape paintings.  Still life and landscapes are my favorites!   I just need more practice.  I also want to venture into oils, but have not yet attempted to use oil paints.  (I've purchased the paints and paint thinner.  I just haven't opened them, yet!)




Now for the Giveaway!!!  Trish has offered this beautiful original piece of art "Pail of Zinnias" as a giveaway and I'm so excited about it...and just a tad bit jealous that it won't be coming to my house!  Thank you Trish for this wonderful and beautiful painting, and for letting me share your amazing art with everyone!!!

For a chance to Win...

1.  All you have to do is visit Trish's Etsy Store by clicking HERE and have a look around, then come back here and leave a comment about your favorite painting or print!

2.  Become a follower, or let me know that you already are and you'll be entered TWICE! *Be sure to leave a separate comment*

3.  Tweet, Facebook, or Blog about the giveaway, come back and leave a 3rd comment, and you'll be entered for 3 chances to win!

The Giveaway will be open until Monday, June 28th at Midnight PST!  Good Luck! 

*Sorry this is only open to Residents of the US and Canada!*

113 comments:

  1. I follow you both already :)

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  2. I like the Humble Rooster. It's lovely. Thanks bunches.~olive~

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  3. "another tree line" is beautiful!

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  4. I have always loved Trish's hydrangeas and think that her new zinnias are fabulous!

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  5. Just tweeted about this very special giveaway.

    -Rene

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  6. The "Trust in the Lord" print with the little bird is just adorable! I love how vibrant her colors are. I just planted some zinnias, so this painting should definitely come home to my house and be hung in my dining room with clear view out to the flowers on the deck. ;)

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  7. Added a giveaway button to the top of my blog sidebar. :)

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  8. I would choose the yellow runnuculus, so pretty but of course I love the one she is giving away.
    I follow her blog and yours too.

    Great giveaway.
    Have a wonderful week.

    hugs
    Sissie

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  9. Kat, I just recently found Trish's blog and I have even visited the town she lives in. It is a small town full of history and charm with cute shops and beautiful old homes up and down each street. She is only a about an hour and a half from me. I love her artwork and sure hope I win. If not I may have to splurge and purchase one.

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  10. I would choose either the zinnias or the red barn, both, I really like.

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  11. I love Red Barn! Her art is delightful! Thanks for the giveaway, girlfriend! ♥

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  12. Oh YES!!! I am a follower!!
    Loui♥

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  13. I am a follower....love your blog! ♥

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  14. I really like the White hydrangeas in a white vase.. but all is truly delightful!
    loui♥

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  15. I love the beach one that you have posted on your blog but also love the white hydrangea one listed on Etsy! All her pictures are wonderful, my dad painted in oils and for some reason these remind me of him!

    Rondell

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  16. I am a follower:)but might be under my older blog name!

    Rondell

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  17. I posted it on my side bar with a link back to your this post!

    Thanks for this great opputunity to win her great art!

    Rondell

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  18. I love the bird print with the "Trust in the Lord" verse! Simply charming!

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  19. Kat, I love hydrangeas, and Trish's painting is beuatiful!

    Of, course I am a follower!

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  20. Oh WOW... love the tree line, the chicks, the red barn. Always looking for new artwork for my walls! Thanks for this opportunity!

    Di
    The Blue Ridge Gal

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  21. I am a happy follower! I would be thrilled to own such a treasure.

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  22. I have been an Old Post Road follower and am inspired by Trish also. My favorite painting is the vase of hydragneas. Simple and beautiful!

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  23. love, love, love the tree line painting- want to jump in it and take a walk there!

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  24. Love all the paintings! The hydrangeas are my favorite but the zinneas are great too. Would be happy with anything of Trish's.

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  25. I love the pail of zinnias painting! I also like the hydrangeas in a vase and the bird series-carolina wren. Very nice stuff.

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  26. Oh and P.S.....I'm a follower!! Lovin' it. I started following you from the jellybean rug giveaway, which I found thru another blog. Thanks again for this giveaway chance!

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  27. I love the zinnias in the bucket!! Her paintings are so cheery and colorful...I may just buy one!!

    xoxo
    Jane

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  28. Sadly I can't enter, but I just wanted to say how gorgeous Trish's paintings are. Just lovely. I'm off now to check out her site, thanks for the tip! K xx

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  29. I love Trish's paintings. I have wanted some of her work for a long time now. I visit her store and window shop all the time. One of my favorites was the green bowl with the apples in it. Loved that one.

    Okay, well, I love the green hydrangeas in the vase. I also just became a follower too. Hope I get lucky here.

    Thanks for this wonderful opportunity.

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  30. I really like the hydrangeas in turquoise. It combines two of my most favorite things in one place. Beautiful work and thank you for the chance in the giveaway!

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  31. Fingers crossed here... I'm a follower.

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  32. Trish's art is really beautiful, I can see why her family is sad when it leaves their home. I love the original painting of the hydrangeas, but really I pretty much love all of them! ~Lili

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  33. You have the best giveaways, I know this because I'm a follower (LOL)! ~Lili

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  34. I LOVE the Elephant Giclee print - wow!
    Got your email. We should talk soon....
    thanks!

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  35. Also, thought I was already a follower but I know now that I am!

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  36. #3, got you linked onto facebook - the little photo looks so pretty on my profile page!

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  37. Talk about KARMA! I just discovered Trish YESTERDAY and became one of her followers!!!
    I especially love the first painting that you showcase of hers : ) but really, I love them all! xx Suzanne

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  38. Sending a sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm. What a generous friend and blogger you are my dear! Just checked out the Etsy shop and loved the painting titled 'Original Hydrangea' - just love hydrangeas!! Ciao, bella!

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  39. Sending a second sweet hello from Frog Hollow Farm! I am and have been a follower of your lovely blog for a while! Ciao, bella!

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  40. Third times the charm! Just shared the giveaway on Facebook! Ciao, bella!

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  41. oh how i love Zinnas, i think bout my grandma so much this time of yr they were her favorites and now mine...so winning this would be fantastic...i am a follower and ty for this chance to win a great giveaway

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  42. joined FB, secretly hoping no 1 wants to win.......lol

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  43. Loving the Trust in the Lord one...how sweet is the bird? I love simple paintings.

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  44. My fave is the first one in this post. But if it wasn't available, I love her red barn as well.
    Brenda

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  45. I love the zinnias! But all of her art is so happy, I love it

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  46. I love all her paintings with birdies!

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  47. I am a huge fan of Trish's art and her blog. Her talent blows me away. It's hard to pick a favorite because I would be proud to have any of her art displayed in my home but I love the white vase of yellow flowers:)

    xo
    LeAnn

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  48. I am now one of your new followers:)

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  49. I have it posted on my sidebar also.

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  50. I think my favorite is Yellow Ranunculas...love the bright yellow and pale blue!

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  51. I'm a new follower!

    mcarusopartridge@gmail.com

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  52. I love her artwork but my favorite is "Another Tree Line"

    mcarusopartridge@gmail.com

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  53. Kathy - I am entering this on behalf of my Auntie Peg who couldn't figure out how to enter! She is a sweetie and I hope she wins!!!
    (she commented on my fb page)
    Looking forward to July 30th! :)

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  54. LOL Kristin, tell Auntie Peg hi and thanks for entering! :)

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  55. I actually love the one you are giving away best! After that I love the hydrangea one! Put me down for the drawing!

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  56. Great giveaway! I have long admired her paintings. My favourite is Red Barn on the Plains (or Hayfield, so many great choices!) Thanks.

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  57. I'm a follower of both yours and Trish's blogs and check in from my sidebar each time you post.

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  58. What a beautiful painting. Please enter me, I'm a follower. I love the bright colors.

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  59. my favorite is the Hydrangeas
    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

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  60. new blog follower!!
    jenn14_85 at yahoo dot com

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  61. I love hydrangeas so I would pick her white hydrangea painting. Love, love the giveaway painting. Like all the bright colors she uses.

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  62. I am a follower of your blog.

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  63. I love the Hydrageas and the urns. So beautiful! Colorful and modern with a traditional flair.

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  64. I am a new follower of Low Tide High Style!

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  65. I loved The Humble Rooster - singing out his joy!

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  66. ..........and I'm already a follower!

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  67. Oh my heavens...please enter me into this gorgeous giveaway. I am a follower.

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  68. Although I am always obsessed with zinnias and the chick picture is adorable I might have fallen slightly in love with the hay field picture, too.

    Thanks for the explanation of Giclee. I never knew what that meant.

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  69. I adore the artist's choice of bright, clear, friendly colors. Any picture is sure to bring joy. If I win this artwork, I will give it to my sister. Her husband recently walked out of her, leaving three boys behind. If ever she needed a pick-me-up, it's now.

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  70. What a wonderful artist. My favorite is Red Barn on the Plain.

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  71. How beautiful and inspiring! I love the Scripture paired with such a vibrant expression of joy! I love the zinnias, but would be hard pressed to pick a favorite!

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  72. I am also a new follower. Thanks so much . . .

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  73. I love the Red Barn on the Plain! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  74. i love the pail of zinnias but she does so many amazing ones! i would hang any of them!

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  75. I love all of Trish's birds, but especially the ones with the "Trust in the Lord and do good" sentiment.

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  76. I'm a new follower! I love Trish's artwork...all of it. So whimsical and happy! I like the Chicks painting. Such a fun piece and great bold colors.

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  77. Oh what beautiful artwork, I saved her as a favorite seller...I love the Humble Rooster, but there were several other faves, too!
    Barb

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  78. I love her hydrangea paintings....ALL of them!!

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  79. I also love Another Tree Line

    suzannebake@gmail.com

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  80. I love the "chicks or maybe ducklings" print. Adorable!

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  81. Hi Kat, Everything is wonderful but I believe my favorite is White Hydrangeas. I also love the one in the giveaway.
    Hugs, Sherry

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  82. OH please enter my name in:) elma
    elma2179@yahoo.com

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  83. I love the hydrangea pictures, the third one down on the left is my favorite.

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  84. I love the birdie with scripture prints!

    Ramona
    http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

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  85. Yes I'm a follower!

    Ramona
    http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

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  86. I am adding the giveaway to my sidebar at Create With Joy now!

    Ramona
    http://create-with-joy.blogspot.com

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  87. I Love all Trish's work--and I'd be thrilled to win this gorgeous giveaway. I found your blog through Trish's site, and I'm so glad I did. Love your blog!

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  88. Her artwork makes me smile!! Love the one you are giving away.

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  89. Follow your blog but I do not have a blog.

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  90. Love the elephant, gotta have that for my new great niece's bedroom. Love the block style print and messages in all offer paintings. Thanks for letting us know about the artist.

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  91. I love all your paintings. It's just my style. I especially like the flowers in the buckets. Great colors! You have a new follower.
    Cheers!
    Rita

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  92. Love all the paintings. They would look so great at my lake house. This is actually post #2 (first time on 6/21 but I wasn't a "follower" then). This is all so new to me but I'm having a great time checking out everyone's blogs thanks to my friend at Cottage and Vine. Maybe someday I'll have my own blog but for now I am getting inspired to do so many things from all the creative people out there!

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  93. I am already a faithful follower and a huge fan of these gorgeous paintings. Please enter me to win! I would love the one with the birdie on it!
    xoxo,
    Kim

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