Key to My Heart Mixed Media Collage

Before February is completely over, I wanted to share a mixed media collage piece I did for the Gallery Crawl we had a few weeks ago. I used a variety of papers, washi tape, a doily, a tag, stamps, chipboard and wire, nail and a key. A gentleman and his wife were strolling through the gallery and he bought it but didn't want his wife to know, so he got it a few days later. I hope she loved it.

Key to My Heart Mixed Media Collage

The surface is wood. I use Faber Castell Big Brush Pens and Pitt Pens, Stayz On Ink, and a variety of acrylic paints. I had drew and hand cut the heart. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! 

Mardi Gras Dachshund Art Love

My hubby and I spend a three day weekend in New Orleans for our 25th wedding anniversary (yes, I said 25th!!). I remember when my parents reached this milestone thinking - wow - that's a long time. LOL. Now that it's our turn, we realize that it isn't really that long at all. We found a sweet place on Esplanade with a balcony that was just perfect.

We spent most of our evenings on Frenchmen Street dining and listening to Jazz music. It was a nice alternative to the touristy crowded places in the French Quarter. Enjoyed it so much, we are already talking about our next trip. I would love to take our bicycles and ride everywhere. Maybe we will.

While I was gone, I had a few collectors send me some pics of when they received their Mardi Gras Dachshund art. How fun!

I recently had some people contact me through my blog asking how to order a custom Mardi Gras Dachshund painting like they have seen in Mimi's Cafe's. I did the first paintings for Mimi's Cafe 10 years ago and have been pleasantly surprised to date that people still see the paintings and look for how to get one. I usually have a custom painting listed in my Etsy Store here, but when I'm filling several orders, I may not have one up. Feel free to email me at the contact info page on my Website and let me know you want one if you don't see a listing.


As much as we loved our trip, it was so good to be back in my own bed. It's really true, there's no place like home.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Home Sweet Home Mixed Media

Just stopping by to share one more piece I made for the Art Crawl. It's going to be a busy night. My 20 year old son and my 11 year old daughter will both have art in two different galleries tonight. I'll be bringing 4 new mixed media pieces to the River Gallery in West Monroe. Here's one of my new pieces.

"Home Sweet Home" by Melanie Douthit. 5.5" x 5.5" mixed media on wood

I used various scrapbook supplies as well as Faber-Castell Big Brush Pens and Pitt Pens. These pieces are so much fun to create.

I hope to see some of you at the Art Crawl tonight! Thanks for stopping by.

Newest Painting of the Year

The calendar "has" holidays, but it actually never takes a holiday. LOL. This is how I feel because the year has already started full-speed. My son and I are participating in a themed group art show this week called "El Corazon" (the heart) at the Downstairs Gallery in Monroe.  In addition to this, my daughter (a fifth grader) is showing some of her art across the street at Becton Gallery. All this coincides with the Downtown Gallery Crawl in Monroe and West Monroe - a bi-monthly event. I tried to get my husband to participate, but he still isn't interested in making art. (smile)

The first piece I created for the "heart" show was a still life with a dove and a string of hearts. I put it on my facebook page and sold it within a few days - so.... I created another piece that I will wait until after the show opens to post.

"Hearts and Flowers" 20" x 20" (SOLD)

Mixed Media by Melanie Douthit

 

 

If you are in Northeast Louisiana, come out this Thursday, Feb 7 to the gallery crawl. My work is always in the River Gallery, 308 Trenton Street, West Monroe and has regular business hours, but will be open till 9pm for the art crawl. There are 9 galleries total so it makes for a fun night. We are having beautiful weather this week, which is great for February!

 

If you want to stay up to date on my current facebook page postings, don't forget to "Like" my page. Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful week.





Mardi Gras Art Print Giveaway

In Louisiana - everything is gearing up for Mardi Gras, which is right around Valentine's Day this year. I thought I'd spread some love, so I'm offering a chance to win a print of my "Mardi Gras Nights" painting. The original painting belongs to a collector and hangs in a room overlooking Royal Street - one of the best places to be during the parades.

For your chance to win this, go to Melanie Douthit Art Studio on Facebook and share it! Simple as that! You have till early Thursday morning, then I will announce the winner. Note that I only ship to US addresses. Thanks for stopping by!!

Sneak Peek at my 2013 Sketchbook Project

I'm so excited that I'm a part of the Sketchbook Project 2013. The Sketchbook Project is a traveling sketchbook library with its base in the Brooklyn Art Library in Brooklyn, NY. I mailed my sketchbook off last week and already received a confirmation that it arrived safely. My sketchbook will also be available to view digitally soon! I'll post a link here.

Want to see a few of the pages? My sketchbook is called "Psalm 23".

pages 1-2

 

pages 3-4

 

 

 

I lost count of what page this is. (smile)

 

 

This is my FIRST completed sketchbook. I used patterned papers on the background and gessoed over the papers in places. I used Neocolor II wax pastels for most of the coloring, with some shading with Faber Castell Big Brush Pens (love the india ink!) as well as line work with Faber Castell's Pitt Pens.  The marker work on pages 1-2 were Stampin Up! markers that I've had in my stash for a awhile. Love that they had two sizes of tips on the ends - good for the small detail. When I finished my book I sprayed each page with Kamar and let dry.

 

Right now I'm working on some pieces for some upcoming shows. Can't wait to share. Thanks for stopping by! 

Thanks for a great 2012!

I've been so busy in the past two months that I haven't updated my blog. Plus, my husband *won* and ipad and I've been spending all my time on it and haven't taken time to get to the computer to upload pics.

I participated in the Art With A View event which is a huge fundraiser for the Monroe Symphony Orchestra in November.

Here is one of the pieces I created for the event. (It's been sold).

(Indian Summer, 30x24 - sold)

I've been filling commissions and baking cookies and spending time at our Christmas production practices. It's been a whirlwind season. I'm typing in my PJ's getting ready for family movie night just after taking down the Christmas tree. I have white candles in the fireplace and on the mantle and am about to enjoy a dinner of ... pizza! Love cozy winter nights.

Here are a few Christmas photos - let's call them "Christmas Past" (yes, I'm being sentimental)

and of course,  "Christmas Present"

And a Happy New Year to you! Thanks for stopping by.