Fall Fair Fun

This Saturday, October 2nd from noon to 5pm I will be participating in the Lemont Fall Art & Music Fest.  My booth is #10, so stop by and see me painting my newest bouquet painting!  My plan is to start it today, so get a sneak peak at the fair.

Happy Anniversary x 3

A year ago today, Reenie Rose experienced something that was a little bit intense....3 weddings in one day.  So far you have seen 2 of these paintings, but today I bring you number 3.  I post this with some embarrassment since it has taken me a full year to complete this final painting from the trio day.  It has been the painting that I work on in between jobs, and since business has picked up, I found myself finishing this painting a day before my 1 year deadline.  Thus, I present to you Christine and Mike's painting.  A big thank you to them for not thinking I was a bad friend that blew off their wedding gift.  No, on the contrary, I've put a whole years worth of love into this piece....wink, wink.  Happy 1 year anniversary to Christine and Mike!

and Happy Anniversary to Natalie and Mike! 

 

and finally, Victoria and Zak!

Hot Off the Press

While at a Sox game last night (where they lost...boo), someone sent me an email that lifted my spirits.  They were complimenting me on an article they had read about me.  Having given the interview a couple of weeks ago, I had almost totally forgotten that an article came out in the Lemont Met/Reporter yesterday featuring myself and Reenie Rose!  At this point in my career, press like this is huge for me.....even in Lemont's little paper.  Click here for the full article.

 It's practically fall now, and in the midst of trees changing color and flowers being reduced down to your autumn mums, I received this lovely gift.  No, someone did not give me an orchid.  Rather, my beautiful little friend here has decided to rebloom for me.  Orchids are a tricky species (and my green thumb isn't as bright as I'd like it to be), so when a rare occurance like this happens, I definitely call it a gift.
Happy weekend!

My How a Town Has Grown

Sometimes it's nice to step back in time and revisit where you've come from and celebrate it.  What brought you to where you are today and how far have you come?
This coming weekend, I am taking a trip down memory lane, back to my hometown and back to some good old art.  After many years, Lemont is opening its very own Art Center, and I am honored to be a part of it.

I invite everyone to attend the Grand Opening reception this Saturday, September 18th from 7pm-9pm where 2 of my pieces will be exhibited until October 2nd.  I'll post pictures of the event and my pieces at a later date, but I'd much rather have you come out and support how far Lemont has come with their appreciation for the arts.  This is where I grew up and first discovered that I had a smidge of talent.  It's kind of funny how things can come full circle......Lemont was the place where I started my art, and now I'm helping Lemont fuel its own Art Center.  Huh.
The Lemont Center for the Arts is located at 1243 State St., unit 101 in Lemont, Illinois.

Tipping Cake

You know the saying "When it rains, it pours?"  Well, that kind of happens with me and blogging.  Either I'm scraping for something to share or I have a pile that's tipping over.  I currently have a pile gathered, but I'm just going to pull a couple of things off the top and spread the rest out for later.

It's Wednesday, and I am just now getting the chance to report on an event I participated in a week ago.  I was lucky enough to be a part of the White Luxury Event at Weddings 826 last week to celebrate their annual event and owner, Suzi's, 5th anniversary.  Champagne and white Russians were being passed around while brides wandered around all of the beautiful items Weddings 826 has to offer and mingled with vendors sharing their bridal services.

Besides myself, there were some fantastic vendors in attendance that are worth mentioning and passing onto those around you....

-Chicago Avenue Salon-  I met Sarah who is not only an incredibly kind and worldly individual, but is also the salons' lead Educator.
-Dilly Lily-  I've been wanting to get in touch with this acclaimed florist for some time now, and it just so happens they provided all of the floral touches at the event.  Gorgeous!
-Poetic Weddings- I was at a wedding this past weekend (more details about that shortly) and one thing was confirmed...a videographer is a must!  Dad's home video skills just won't cut it.
-Sine Qua Non (SQN Special Events)- A hidden gem!  With over 10 years of experience in the event planning industry, Beth Bernstein and her business partner have created some absolutely beautiful weddings worth taking a look at.

Big CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU to Suzi for allowing me to participate in such a special event.  I can't wait to work with her again.

In other news, I've updated my website with Karen and Brandon's painting.  You've seen the painting, and I've thanked Trish at Grapevine Floral many times, so now it's time to mention the photographer.  Wes Craft at Modern Image Studio graciously provided me with some fantastic shots of Karen and Brandon on their big day.  More of his work is likely going to show up on my website here and there, so keep a look out for some beautious images.

And finally, a Labor day weekend filled with love.  My family drove down to St. Louis to attend the wedding of Dani and Michael.... very close family friends.  This cute pair is a culinary delight: Michael is a sous chef and Dani is a baker.  Together they are sweetness that was beautifully symbolized by their four tiered wedding cake that Dani had a hand in creating...lots of flowers were made.

Bouquets tossed aside, can you think of a better gift to give this couple to remember their day?  I know I can.....