Well Well Well

I have been bad, no posting, no updates for two whole months! Things have been crazy, but life has been good. Crazy the different directions that life leads you. Here are a few new things that have been going on in no particular order that have hindered me from posting.

• I took a cake class, loved it and have been experimenting ever since with new styles and techniques. Have had a lot of orders and I LOVE it! Pictures to come.
• I am working a part time job four days a week that is going to help me get out of debt within one year (pray I can make it!). I hate to do it and take away from time that could be used making art, but I have been given a great opportunity, so I am going to take it and run.
• I have planted a garden and I am doing research this summer as to how much money has been saved by growing my own fruits, vegetables and herbs.
• Nick and I have been developing menu ideas for our new restaurant "Italian Soul." Experimental recipes to come!
• I have been working on a series of prints (along with coasters) to put on Etsy. I have a newly found minor addiction to Etsy, so why not be a part of it.
• I am researching Giclee prints so I can start selling prints and not just originals.
• I am taking a photography and painting graduate class this summer.

Crazy where life takes you, right now, I can honestly say I am just along for the ride! Updates and new art to post soon!

Watercolor and Charcoal

Watercolor and Charcoal

SOLD

I love using the stark darkness of the charcoal in contrast with the flowing watercolors. I have recently picked up some gesso that I am going to try and put on canvas that will allow me to paint my watercolors on the canvas directly. I will keep you updated!

Fiona Four Eyes

Fiona Four Eyes

5x7

Watercolor and Ink

SOLD

This little diva is posing her best while having her portrait taken. The photo's color really doesn't do it justice, but she is looking hot. These are really fun to do for me because I really get to express the way I wish I was. I wish I could sport an afro. I wish I could wear some vintage Sallie Jessie glasses. Most importantly, I wish I had Fiona's arms and waist. Seriously.

Theme Pictures

Ms. Dandelion

8x10

Watercolor and Wax resist

SOLD

Not many people know that I do these smaller conceptual paintings. I call them theme or conceptual pictures because I don't know what else to call them. I come up with an ideas, and I have these little cartoon characters that I like to have doing that emphasize one aspect of the character. This little one I call Dandelion girl. She is hopeful, making wishes in a sea of dandelions. Everyone remembers doing that as a little girl. If anyone has any ideas, thoughts for paintings, let me know. I am in a dry spell right now! I would love to hear from you.

Healthy in the New Year

Here we go again. A new year, a new resolution to not end up 2010 and a plus sized woman. I know you guys out there know what I am talking about. Nick and I have been doing pretty good. I have cleaned the dust off of the treadmill downstairs and walking in the morning. I have also started my weight training at the gym and right now sit at a 2 lb loss for my first week. Not too shabby. My goal is 50lbs by August (I am going on vacation to Philly). I have been using myfitnesspal.com. It is an awesome way to track your calories and your daily food intake.

Here is an awesomely delicious, healthy new recipe that Nick and I love!

Chicken Souvlaki Gyro Style

Ingredients
Souvlaki Marinade:
3/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

Tzatziki Sauce
1/2 cup seeded, shredded cucumber
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/2 teaspoon Greek seasoning
kosher salt to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste

4 large pita bread rounds
1 heart of romaine lettuce, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, halved and sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1/2 cup pepperoncini
1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Directions
In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinaigrette, juice from 1/2 lemon, oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Place chicken in a large resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat an outdoor grill, oven, or what I used, a George Foreman, for high heat.

Toss the shredded cucumber with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and allow to sit at least 5 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, sour cream, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, rice vinegar, and olive oil. Season with garlic, fresh dill, and Greek seasoning. Squeeze the cucumber to remove any excess water; stir into sauce. Season to taste with kosher salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Remove chicken from marinade and place on prepared grill. Discard remaining marinade. Cook chicken until juices run clear, about 8 minutes on each side. Remove chicken from heat, and allow to sit about 10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Place pita rounds on the grill, and cook for about 2 minutes, until warm, turning frequently to avoid burning. Arrange warmed pita, sliced chicken, lettuce, onion, tomato, olives, and pepperoncini on a serving platter. Serve tzatziki sauce and feta cheese in separate bowls on the side.

Coasters

Every year, I make my Christmas gifts. In October, I decide what I am going to make, and every year, I wait until the last minute to finish and then curse at myself from Dec. 1 to the end of the year. This year, the only difference is that I involved Nick. He cut the wood, and put on the clear glaze. Each person that we gave them to, they had their names on the front. Each coaster has original artwork done in watercolor and ink. They are super fun to do (or were super fun in the beginning). Hahaha. Regardless, if you need a gift for the person that has everything, these would be great for you!

Perfect on a Cold Day

This soup is utterly amazing. I have never liked tomato soup before I found this recipe. I have made a few changes that make it more flavorful. You HAVE to try this! So easy and so good!

TOMATO BISQUE

Ingredients

1/4 cup butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups chicken broth
2 (14.5 ounce) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup heavy cream (I use skim to lower fat)
salt and black pepper to taste

Directions

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, about 8 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly.
Stir in the tomato paste, chicken broth, tomatoes, sugar, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until the vegetables are very tender.


Pour half to three-quarters of the soup into a blender-depending on how chunky you want it-filling the pitcher no more than halfway full. Hold down the lid of the blender with a folded kitchen towel, and carefully start the blender, using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Alternately, you can use a stick blender and puree the soup in the saucepan.


Return the pureed soup to the saucepan and stir in the cream. Cook over medium heat until the soup is hot. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

It's always good to get a response

During the art show, I was honored to meet a man that actually got my artwork. The meaning, methods, and interpretation was not lost on him at all. He ended up buying this piece entitled "Despondence" for his wife for Christmas. Below is her response.

I am so very excited to have your beautiful art grace my home. Tom gave the piece to me on Christmas Day. It is so full of expression. I am so honored to have it and I wanted to tell you how happy I am to have received this. The piece eludes all the emotion you wanted to achieve.

Wishing you much success with your art.

Love, Marian

I'm Baaaaaccccckkkk

It has been a wild ride these last 4 months of the year. As the new year approaches, I think everyone finds themselves reflecting on where they have been and what they have accomplished. With deciding to do the artshow in the beginning, I knew I was crazy. I put all of my eggs in one basket and with the help of friends and family, I was able to succeed. It was a long day, but we had a lot of fun. Below are some pictures from the space and the day.

So I am at the time of the year where you set you goals for next year. I love producing art, but I am coming to the concusion that I only work well under pressure. I completed 10 paintings in 2 months to get ready for the show. I need to just keep up this momemtom. With the success of the show, I have learned that I can actually do this. I can sell my paintings and crafts, I just need to stop being scared and take a chance this year whether it is going to local stores and presenting my coasters, glasswear, or cards or trying to push to get into a gallery, fair or restaurant. It is time for me to get serious. I am not going to lie, I am 31 years old and looking back at old journals, I have written this every year as one of my New Years resolutions.

I have had so many thing in the works, but I have half assed quite a bit. I have been wanting to learn HTML for years. I am paying for my $32K education from KU with a bachelors in fine arts with an emphasis in graphics and I never learned how to design a damn website. I have other people maintaining mine, and it has not been updated in over a year and a half. I have had a childrens book that I have written, and even started the illustrations, but in typical Brooke style, I have not finished. All I can say it is time to get it together in 2010. Hahaha!

Movin and a Shakin

So this show coming up has taught me two things. My house is never going to be a clean one when I am in my creative moods and I am much happier when I am creating art.

Here is the very beginning of a piece. I just have the outlines of the shapes of the figure so far, but I am interested to see where this one is going once I start defining the features.

The glare is horrible because it is extremely we at the time.

Save the Date Yall!

I am having a showing of my work on December 5, time to come, at 1918-1920 Washington Avenue. It is a friend of mine who owns a loft and it has a store front on it. It is going to serve as an open house for her to show her lofts, and it gives me a chance to show my work. I am nervous as all get out, but I am just looking at this as an opportunity for people to see my work, and to get the name out at the same time. Am I ready? No. But I am going to take this opportunity.

I have shown my work and had shows all over the country. Besides being exhausting showing your work, it is also mentally draining. I don't like to talk about my work. I would rather sit back and listen to people's interpretations. It is a big downfall of mine. I have had a negative taste in my mouth after showing my work. I have been in all kinds of shows, African-American shows in Philly and Baltimore to The Taste of the Central West End. I have been told on numerous occasions that my work is too black for the white community and too white for the black community? What does that mean you ask? I still don't know. If you have an answer, get back to me!

Owl Cupcakes

I made these cupcakes for Julie's shower. They were super fun to make and I think they turned out cute. I used Aldi's cake mix and icing to make it easier on me. For the eyes I used oreos with a dab of chocolate icing for teh iris, for the beak I used a cashew, and for the feathers on the head I used slivered almonds. I think it would have been cuter with shaved almonds, but you live and you learn.

Watercolor and Charcoal Study

I have been busy lately! Trying new techniques, styles, still trying to find my way! Here is a piece that I did during a watercolor study. Adding the watercolors on heavy, allowing them to drip, and in effect, it kind of looks like a tear. I love the softness of the watercolors verses the harsh black of the charcoal. I'm not too happy with the face, but I like the effect that it had. I will definitely try this technique again, but try to blend them more.

I must be crazy

I am going back to school! As excited as I am about it, I also think that I have lost my mind. I have not taken an art class since I graduated from KU in 2001. I have a friend in the program and she assures me that this will be a good step for me. I know I need to work on technique and I need instruction!

I imagine myself being that kid in class that is drawing stick figures and think they are a masterpiece while I am surrounded by Picasso's. I actually have had a dream about it. I haven't had the showing up to school naked dream yet, so I guess thats something huh?

So January brings the start of me going to Fontbonnne to get my second Masters, my last month of coaching basketball for the high school, and the beginning of a new year. 2010 is going to come in with a bang!

Ohhh. Whitey's

Nick and I went to a white trash party and made White Castle's Patee. Anyone who knows Nick and I, you know our minor love for the treats in little white boxes. I mean, that is where we had our first kiss. In the drive thru. How sad are we?

Believe it or not, this stuff was pretty good! We put the ketchup on the top and served it with crackers.

White Castle Pate

15 White Castle regular (no cheese) hamburgers, boxes removed

2 tbs Worchestershire

1 package of cream cheese

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
In a blender or food, blend hamburgers three at a time with water as needed,scraping sides as you go. Add the Worchestshire. Finished product should look like refried beans. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with Crisco vegetable shortening (avoid butter ormargarine, as these will cause the pate to brown too much).Turn the pate mixture into the loaf pan, and smooth with spatula. Bake45 minutes. After removing from oven, immediately turn pate onto a servingplate. Allow to cool, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate. When ready to serve, frost pate with softened cream cheese or sour cream. Serve as a spread with thin slices of French bread or crackers.

Baby Deem

My relationship with Julie has been a funny one. Four years ago, I answered a posting on craigslist for a girl in U-City that was looking for someone to hang out with. I think the posting might have even said she needed a happy hour buddy. Of course, I stepped right up. We hit it off right away. We even went on a cruise together. We both went through a really wierd stage in our lives where we grew apart. It was something that we probably needed to do. Now, Julie is one of my best friends.

The whole time I have known Julie, her and her husband Ryan have always said they never wanted children. So I was a little suprised when last year, she had told me that they changed their minds. But none the less, they will be great parents and I can't wait to see the little girl they are going to pop out here in the next month or so.

So for her gift, I wanted to do something special. I found a quote by Vincent Van Gogh that I fell in love with. "If one feels the need of something grand, something infinite, something that makes one feel aware of God, one need not go far to find it. I think that I see something deeper, more infinite, more eternal than the ocean in the expression of the eyes of a little baby when it wakes in the morning and coos or laughs because it sees the sun shining on its cradle."

I put the quote in a tree along with the with the year. Both of their last names are patterned through the piece. I guess I would call it a Where's Waldo of baby gifts. I hope she likes it!

Best Buttercream Frosting Ever

This stuff is good, not to sweet, but gives that rich buttery taste. I have used it a few times as decorating icing. I'm not going to lie, I got this one from my sister in law Diana. I helped her make her cakes for her son's birthday parties. Thanks girl!

INGREDIENTS
2 cups butter
8 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream

DIRECTIONS
In a mixing bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Add sugar, and continue creaming until well blended.
Add salt, vanilla, and 6 ounces whipping cream. Blend on low speed until moistened. Add additional 2 ounces whipping cream if necessary. Beat at high speed until frosting is fluffy.

Engagement Present

It seems like most of my paintings in the last few weeks have been for presents for people. My good friend Lauren that now lives in Philly had an engagement party recently and I painted a picture of her and her fiance. It was hard to paint a picture of him because every time I see him (which has only once), he has had a hat on. But you get the idea. Congratulations Lauren!

White Chicken Chili

Hmmmmmmm.... Weather is cold, time to get the soups and chilis going! This is my first shot at making white chili. It was really good. I served it with cornbread.

INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers
1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers 2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
3 (15 ounce) cans white beans 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup white corn kernels

DIRECTIONS
Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Slowly cook and stir the onion until tender. Mix in the garlic, jalapeno, green chile peppers, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Continue to cook and stir the mixture until tender, about 3 minutes. Mix in the chicken broth, chicken and white beans. If you like your soup thicker, you can puree one of the cans of beans to make it a little thicker. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the mixture from heat. Slowly stir in the cheese until melted. Serve warm.

Getting in the swing of things

I am experimenting with colors, textures, and overlapping images. This is a new work of art that I am working on. I have shown in a previous post just the drawing. It is coming along.

I no longer like the background color, so I am going to change that, not sure to what yet. I guess Picasso went through his blue period, I am in my yellow. Errrr.