Friends, here now, gone away, firecrackers, and memories

Happy Picnic Day... a day to catch up on yard-work, eat way too many grilled goodies, gather to watch enormously expensive explosions...remember those gone and, hopefully, look ahead with hope.

Independence Day - 4th of July... Happy Birthday America...

Get to know who we are - where we came from - READ for yourselves.

Find a good history book.. I recommend, ironically enough written by a Brit, "A History of the American People" by Paul Johnson...

http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780060930349/A_History_of_the_American_People/index.aspx

Meanwhile (like playing a rerun or listening to "The Best of Crane")- I suggest a revisit to an older post - for those who have lost a friend...

realize good friends come and go and it does not make them less good, just gone...

Fair Feathered Friends

~katey

The last of our original Duck Family, Splash, gone away May 14, 2009

Memorial Day Tribute - LEGACY

~~~

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

And I enjoy an accolade like the rest

You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery

Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best

At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights

We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'

But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides

The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy

How will they remember me?

Did I choose to love?

Did I point to You enough

To make a mark on things?

I want to leave an offering

A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically

And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long a while

To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy

It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile

Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred

Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

Nicole Nordeman - Legacy

~In Remembrance~

February 1924-October 2008

My Dad. My Veteran. (click link)

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. ~ 1 Peter 2:21

I Won't Back Down

I Won't Back Down ~ Tom Petty with George Harrison, Jeff Lynn (ELO), Ringo

Well I wont back down, no I wont back down.

You can stand me up at the gates of hell

But I wont back down.

Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around.

And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down.

Gonna stand my ground and I wont back down.

This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. ~Revelation 14:12

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out.

Hey, uh huh, I will stand my ground.

And I wont back down.

Well I know what's right, I got just one life.

In a world that keeps on pushin' me around,

But I'll stand my ground and I wont back down.

Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out.

I will stand my ground and I wont back down.

No, I wont back down.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. ~ Hebrews 9:27-28


Another Work-in-progress from my series

TOM PETTY

25" square / acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas

Quite a fun concert by the way - saw him last summer (in the rain) along with Steve Winwood. It was one giant sing-a-long. Petty's SuperBowl appearance (08) was one of the best in a long time - and he most definitely wins for "most improved" in the face department by sporting that new beard.

MORE FACES...

People are strange (Jim Morrison)

DREAM ON (Steven Tyler)

BaBY LoVE (Diana Ross) more Baby Love

imagine... (John Lennon)

"my name is ALiCE, I live in a PaLace..." (Alice Cooper)

" EMoTiONaL ReSCuE " (Mick Jagger)

Sir ELTON JOHN

PAUL McCARTNEY and Blackbird WINGS

I Can't Make You Love Me If You Don't (Bonnie Raitt)

BiG Heads (introduction to the BiG HEAD series)

Want a face of your own? Yourself? Your Auntie Mame? Uncle Bud? I can create a custom portrait in this same style ~ convo me at blueyeduckstudios@gmail.com

joy in the journey,

katey~D

www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com

I Can't Make You Love Me If You Don't

~Bonnie Raitt~

An amazing voice - yes?

I find I get into painting to the point I don't pay attention to what I am painting... in this case I reversed Bonnie (note her "Sweeney Todd" is on the opposite side of her forehead)...

Lovely, melancholy... desperately sad song in this 'tube... listen as you look. The exquisite Bruce Hornsby is on keyboard.

My affordable art is available on ETSY.com at www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com. Convo me about custom portraits in the rock-face style you see throughout my blog.

joy, kateyD

For more details about the many "rock faces" I have created - look further down the blog ~ thank you!

katey Duck on facebook

PAUL McCARTNEY and Blackbird WINGS

It is dreary and dark and very rainy today,

but just now an intense whiteness has begun to open the sky…

the sun is pushing through the gloom …
It is like the song…

that singing that breaks the silence in the dead of night …

that strength that comes from weakness…
that peace that passes all understanding.

Blackbird - Beatles

And so here are still more Work in Progress pictures

(please scroll down the entire blog for previous FACES in this large ongoing series on exhibit)…

Paul McCartney

And now some mildly selfish pushiness…

my own series of BLACKBIRDS…

all original artwork - matted and framed ...

available in my little ESTY shop at

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

"The LORD bless you and keep you;

the LORD make his face shine upon you

and be gracious to you;

the LORD turn his face toward you

and give you peace."

Numbers 24: 25-26


~katey D

Sir ELTON JOHN

Elton John - DANIEL

As has always been the tradition and intention of my blog - I bring you a mix of my art, along with music (cuz I can't live without it), and occasionally my little thoughts...

As I looked for an Elton song to carry your eyes through my Work-in-Progress photos here - I found this particular version of DANIEL.

I simply love the song... the two brother aspect of it always tugged at my heart (I have two sons). I never knew the context of the song until Elton explained it via the movie behind him as you can see in this Live version. The song is forever changed for me.

My Dad was a WWII soldier, and my grand-nephew is currently serving in the Navy.

God Bless the US Military & their families.

For lyrics to another song that perfectly illustrates my heart's cry - scroll to the end of this post... "What did he die for" ...

Reggie emerges...

On exhibition at Rick's STUDIO13 Grille & Bar in Mentor, Ohio

Please scroll waaaaay down this blog for MORE WiP - pics.

My affordable art is here:

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

~kD

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHAT DID HE DIE FOR

" He was twenty-one in 1944

He was hope and he was courage on a lonely shore

Sent there by a mother with love beyond her tears

Just a young American who chose to rise above his fears

And as I watch him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back

I cannot help but wonder

What did he die for?

When he died for you and me

Made the sacrifice

So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question
What did he die for?

When he died for me

To the darkest day in A.D. 33

Came the mercy and compassion of eternity

Sent there by a Father with love beyond His tears

Blameless One, the only Son to bear the guilt of all these years

And as I watch Him struggle up that hill

Without a thought of turning back I cannot help but wonder

What did He die for?

When He died for you and me

Made the sacrifice So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question
What did He die for?

He died for freedom

He died for love

And all the things we do not pay Him back

Could never be enough

What did He die for?

When He died for you and me

Made the sacrifice
So that we could all be free

I believe we will answer each to heaven

For the way we spend a priceless liberty

Look inside and ask the question

What did he die for? When He died for me "

~Twila Paris

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iO1LSwfbAc

" EMoTiONaL ReSCuE "

MiCK JaGGER (NFS)

25" Square Acrylic on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

WORKS in PROGRESS

Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue

Find my affordable art at

www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com

~katey-D

"my name is ALiCE, I live in a PaLace..."

I kind of get a giggle out of Alice Cooper's many commercials - remember this one?






and NOW... Back to the WiPs (scroll down for MORE - in many previous posts).

So here began ALiCE ...

I never really know what I'm doing when I start - it just happens.

I think that is why many artists I know (self included) kinda moan at the word "commission" - because they are often so specific that they can be stifling.

When we arty-types are free to just go with whatever - good stuff usually happens.

When Alice began to be born on this canvas I looked through concert shots mostly (having seen him in ... errr... 1979 or something I can't say I remember facial details from first hand observation)... so lots of photos were in order.
As you see, his latest CD was indeed the obvious view taken.

I have a large series of Rock Faces on exhibition near Cleveland [Alice is among them] - and for those of you interested in your own custom work from me ~ you now have an idea of my style and versatility (since painting my own Uncle Bub and Aunt Netti wouldn't really give you a clue if I am adept at representation or not. ) Exhibiting famous-y mugs for you here lets you see if you like what I do...and it is just plain ole fun for me.

ALiCE EMERGING...

ALICE COOPER'S Ministry:

http://www.srfrock.org/

Solid Rock 'THE ROCK' Teen Center"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Affordable art available at

www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com

~kD

Find me on FACE BOOK ~ "Katey Duck"

Here is Alice among 13 other faces - on display at Rick's Studio 13 Grille & Bar (links coming soon!)

imagine...

Press Play and enjoy the Blog

BEAUTIFUL BOY ~ John Lennon

Yes! Imagine!

An UPDATE!

Thanks for waiting!

I am finally able to update as promised (thank you to all who have asked)...

I have even more WiP's to show as well as some pics of the pieces on exhibition at

Rick's Studio13 Grille & Bar

in Mentor, Ohio.

Disposable red party cups -

a new use - perfect John Lennon glasses :)

25" gallery wrapped canvas

~Custom Portraits of your friends & family available by request~

Katey~D

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.com/

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

WiLD and WaCKy

I know I promised lots of "work in process" photos, but I haven't stopped painting long enough to post here - but that is about to change!

The large "BiG HeADs" project is complete (scroll down to previous posts to read all about those)and they are in place - as well as the 14 smaller 25-inch portraits. I will be back soon to update you all on the outcome (so far so good - very positive feedback)...



In the meantime I have switched gears to some arty projects that are less room-consuming: arty doll jewelry assemblages which I will be posting soon as well! They are DELICIOUS!



joy in the journey,
katey~D

www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com

more Baby Love

This is my update on BaBY LoVE

(click the link to see the previous Work in Progress photos)





24" square / acrylic on gallery wrap canvas


find my affordable art at

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

~katey

** these interpretive portraits are part of a collection for display purposes only and are NOT FOR SALE**

"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

from Nehemiah 8:10

BaBY LoVE

Baby Love: Diana Ross and the Supremes

I had to take a break from the BIG HeaDS and move onto the second phase of the commission - the 24" square canvases.

I began with
DIANA ROSS

See this post for progress on Jim Morrison: People are strange and this post where I introduce the BiG Heads project...and for progress on Steven Tyler click this: DREAM ON

And do stop by my ETSY store where my smaller art is always available affordably.http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/
Joy in the journey,
Katey

** these interpretive portraits are part of a collection for display purposes only and are NOT FOR SALE**

Serve the LORD with gladness; come before His presence with singing.

~Ps 100:2

DREAM ON

** these interpretive portraits are part of a collection for display purposes only and are NOT FOR SALE**

In this, my second WiP (works in process) post, I am featuring Steven Tyler of Aerosmith - not because I am a fan, but as I have said, for the unmistakably interesting and recognizable mug he has. I don't dislike him, but Aerosmith has not been in my top-100 list and I even found it a struggle to come up with an accompanying youtube for this feature. Methinks I am a bit of a prude.

So here I am again ~ revealing my vulnerable self as I show unfinished work in the process of becoming something better. I see all the flaws and warts. This is not a cry of self-deprication in hope of gaining praise... I see the value, but I know what it needs to become and it isn't there yet. Perhaps it won't get to where it needs to be. Creation is more about the process than the product I am told (though as a goal oriented graphic designer type, I have goals and I aim ruthlessly -- and while I surprise myself when I enjoy the ride, it is the destination that gives me the greater hoot).

I will show final photos when the art is hung in place.

See this post for progress on Jim Morrison: People are strange
and this post where I introduce the BiG Heads project.

Aerosmith: DREAM ON with an orchestra

Steven Tyler - NOT just another pretty face, in fact, a very unusual, almost malformed face. Fans love him - he is unmistakable.

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

As I struggled with him looking like a muppet baby, a gorilla, or maybe himself with a pinch of Tarzan tossed in...I also realized it is true that his eyes are close set and deep set - his nose is petite, and his trademark mouth is gigantic.

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

Check back for more features on this series.

And do stop by my ETSY store where my smaller art is always available affordably.
http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/

Joy in the journey,

Katey

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. ~ I Samuel 16:7

People are strange

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

I have to concur, but define “strange”.

This is the first update on my Works-in-Progress series (see the previous post “BiG HeadS” for the introduction…)

http://blueyeduckstudios.blogspot.com/2009/01/learning-to-say-yes-again.html

I am featuring Jim Morrison here today - who makes me feel uneasy…

I experience nothing but sadness when I think about his music and his life and even the memories I have of someone who adored him (insert “The Way Back Machine” ) from my high school daze.

People are Strange - The Doors (Jim Morrison) September 1967

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_Are_Strange

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

I found JM easier to paint than a few of the other faces in this first series.

He was truly beautiful in appearance…but what a torn and tattered soul inside.

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

(c)2009 blueyeduckstudios.com / katey-D [WiP]

PEOPLE ARE STRANGE:
“According to its 'ALLMUSIC' review, the song "reflects the group's fascination with the theatrical music of European cabaret. "The song is about alienation and being an outsider, and, as the aforementioned review also notices, Jim Morrison may have addressed the song both to the hippie culture, to outsiders in general, and/or to users of drugs such as LSD. The song was written by guitarist Robby Kreiger after he and a depressed Morrison had walked to the top of Laurel Canyon Drummer John Densmore believes that the song was the manifestation of Morrison's "vulnerability". "

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Currently I am working on details of Stevie Nicks - I have had to use a combination of photos to capture her (she keeps leaning towards wanting to look like Meg Ryan). I am doing final touches on Freddie Mercury, Steven Tyler, and Phil Collins.

I won’t post FINAL WiP photos until they are hanging in situ at the restaurant! Do check back for more features on this series though!
And do stop by my ETSY store where my smaller art is always available affordably.

http://www.blueyeduckstudios.etsy.com/
Joy in the journey,
Katey

** these interpretive portraits are part of a collection for display purposes only and are NOT FOR SALE**

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
~Romans 3:20-24