tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46785491952785864512024-02-18T22:03:12.581-06:00Dena McMurdie StudiosAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.comBlogger203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-3976526011804451842013-10-05T14:15:00.000-05:002013-10-05T14:15:12.003-05:00My Latest Watercolor: Autumn Barn II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNrPka_GzesQjKcQofxd4NPlA6y4YdmQPDUgj45uPMhv7gyR6iem5PQhScfDfTubgtBg10BlWB9Y_l3rxZHp4IC56mMKlHO3WsqTuPJNE9ySzDjyZvJdq2WKHfdtihdxEabzMdegRvko/s1600/Barn+I+for+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNrPka_GzesQjKcQofxd4NPlA6y4YdmQPDUgj45uPMhv7gyR6iem5PQhScfDfTubgtBg10BlWB9Y_l3rxZHp4IC56mMKlHO3WsqTuPJNE9ySzDjyZvJdq2WKHfdtihdxEabzMdegRvko/s640/Barn+I+for+web.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Autumn Barn II</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Watercolor - 11 x 14</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SOLD</b> </span></div>
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I love autumn and I love the colors that come with it. Cool weather, warm colors, hot chocolate, pumpkin patches, and Thanksgiving. What could be better? Not much.<br />
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I received a commission to paint an autumn barn scene in watercolor and this is what I came up with. Watercolor is always a stressful medium to work in because it is so difficult to control. However, I have found that I really enjoy the surprises that happen when you learn how to manipulate the paint. I love the bright colors that come out in the fall, and I really wanted to capture that in this painting. Looking at this makes me really excited for the next few months!<br />
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What is your favorite thing about fall?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-2448158478718274482013-03-27T16:55:00.002-05:002013-03-27T16:55:29.607-05:00Rose #1 is FinishedI finished up the painting this afternoon. Now, for those of you that are thinking, "it's very pink!" I will agree with you. It is a very pink painting. I planned it that way because I have a very specific purpose in mind for this painting, but I don't really want to blab about it here until I get some more done in this series.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaDxThvqKg9E0BlTilzRoe8835QbxaVB-lYsWdFrRlPypu6Y1pWDypau9BHrvElYDNppIL8joGy08AtM5uMtwcHJ_YiLbmE6pLRboaYmNC0fBI43cTcj5QtDide8dPZk7bx07qQHzvhQ/s640/blogger-image--811126416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaDxThvqKg9E0BlTilzRoe8835QbxaVB-lYsWdFrRlPypu6Y1pWDypau9BHrvElYDNppIL8joGy08AtM5uMtwcHJ_YiLbmE6pLRboaYmNC0fBI43cTcj5QtDide8dPZk7bx07qQHzvhQ/s640/blogger-image--811126416.jpg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-20413027349883180452013-03-26T17:29:00.001-05:002013-03-26T17:29:25.089-05:00Starting a New PaintingFinally! It feels like it's been eons since I've painted anything. Here is what I started working on today. It has promise. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPJUrXYFkiG56MWQIZLOwMNzktTED2nuEKDZ7YxmnpLKP3ooyWMHcLskGM28mCERJkh7wn2YCsFGexNku1UMKTaayGEXZ88I0fL1lJeA7U07oQwgSDeIzc6TACj_9ufSWfoARzUiXhXA/s640/blogger-image-1927520751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPJUrXYFkiG56MWQIZLOwMNzktTED2nuEKDZ7YxmnpLKP3ooyWMHcLskGM28mCERJkh7wn2YCsFGexNku1UMKTaayGEXZ88I0fL1lJeA7U07oQwgSDeIzc6TACj_9ufSWfoARzUiXhXA/s640/blogger-image-1927520751.jpg" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-30702485542663233562012-09-26T22:50:00.001-05:002012-09-26T22:50:20.626-05:00Younger version of ’Mona Lisa’ to be presentedI found this article on MSN today. I am really curious to see what they find out about the painting. What do you think? Could it possibly be a legitimate Leonardo da Vinci painting? <br />
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<a href="http://todayentertainment.today.com/_news/2012/09/26/14115751-younger-version-of-mona-lisa-to-be-presented#.UGPMt6pimpk.blogger">Younger version of ’Mona Lisa’ to be presented</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-55749907166361093032012-09-25T17:19:00.000-05:002012-09-25T17:19:19.166-05:00Super SaturdayI was asked by the women's group at my church to teach a painting class for a Super Saturday event. I have taught private lessons a couple of times, and it wasn't really my thing, so I was pretty nervous to teach a class of fifteen people. On top of that, we are going to be moving to a new home this weekend, so the timing wasn't the greatest.<br />
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In spite of my hesitation, I said yes, and I am so glad I did! It was a wonderful experience both for me and the women taking the class. The fact that it was a volunteer opportunity was a big bonus for me. I didn't have to worry about making sure that everyone "got their money's worth" from my class. Almost all of my students were beginners, and some of them had never painted before. So it was a good chance for me to experiment with an actual class rather than just an individual.<br />
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I decided to keep things simple and teach a project rather than the basics of design. That way, the women would each have something concrete to take home and show their husbands or friends. I received a lot of very positive feedback from most of the women. Some of the responses I received was that the class was "relaxing", "fun", and "really enjoyable". <br />
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Some of the women expressed interest in learning more about painting, so I felt like I had done my job!<br />
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I wish I had remembered to take pictures. I took my camera, but forgot about it once I got teaching. You will just have to take my word for it that we had a good time and that everyone's projects turned out really amazing!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-71098631414107583482012-09-17T05:00:00.000-05:002012-09-17T05:00:03.898-05:00Watercolor Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9t9nFAPR1bLTweBL0a9h0GQs4tlT5mwd9mfEBwTp5jFTs5BBRStPM5khCxKGlUd_pfpj10qSorvY86y67GkMgWksnCI2DseBFuUNdG1pvFmJy0VTUpZfTZo3DdWsj2DSi5BoP-sITVU/s1600/Rose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd9t9nFAPR1bLTweBL0a9h0GQs4tlT5mwd9mfEBwTp5jFTs5BBRStPM5khCxKGlUd_pfpj10qSorvY86y67GkMgWksnCI2DseBFuUNdG1pvFmJy0VTUpZfTZo3DdWsj2DSi5BoP-sITVU/s320/Rose.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
I have been experimenting with pen and ink and watercolor lately. I have to admit, that I just love the results! First, I draw the flower by hand, lightly, with pencil. I then go over that drawing using my Micron ink pens. I make sure to have the lines wobble a little to give it some character and make it look not quite so planned out. Once the drawing is completely dry (it only takes a minute to dry, but I have made the mistake of NOT waiting before), I pull out the watercolor paint and add splashes of color. <br />
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This was my third painting of a rose that I created this way. The first one was pretty horrendous. The second one was better, but I was trying to be trendy and I painted it a turquoise color. Everyone thought it was a tree. So I decided to stick with the bright red that I love so much and I gave it a third go around. This is the finished painting! I love it. The third time is the charm, I guess ;)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-74060329831382991412012-07-12T03:30:00.000-05:002012-07-12T03:30:01.899-05:00Fonts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4inxPJkk6v8vX8f3qIFsToM3R8kfDJFi2jlbPTCPE0gw39aBitlvLcwQjZqzlHtri7AeSP3Y9RETzNEeRyZ8CAAAIQ0zUcIbLzujgpoD7v_YkCsksiHG-IkH-i0MZ-k5cgEHk3RwVaA/s1600/Beautiful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4inxPJkk6v8vX8f3qIFsToM3R8kfDJFi2jlbPTCPE0gw39aBitlvLcwQjZqzlHtri7AeSP3Y9RETzNEeRyZ8CAAAIQ0zUcIbLzujgpoD7v_YkCsksiHG-IkH-i0MZ-k5cgEHk3RwVaA/s320/Beautiful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Call me weird, but I love fonts. I just bought this one called <a href="http://www.dafont.com/flower-queb71.font" target="_blank">Flower</a> from <a href="http://dafont.com/">DaFont.com</a>. Isn't it gorgeous? I can't wait to find a use for it. I just know that it is going to be perfect for a project one of these days. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-64844985123544963192012-06-05T03:30:00.000-05:002012-06-05T03:30:01.831-05:00For the Kids' Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pQSYfYAIkYPa5zznSxfBi27ZWIgxUmDhA93bgKHyQrZH9xBY8KsOu2o-CkeUdVmz-enG31QFy5nFhiytOSfWqcD2cDDizSM9tOewXaKXAiwiNCviR0x7G2nTxRrrTUKLOXrTqWigFoM/s1600/Daisy+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pQSYfYAIkYPa5zznSxfBi27ZWIgxUmDhA93bgKHyQrZH9xBY8KsOu2o-CkeUdVmz-enG31QFy5nFhiytOSfWqcD2cDDizSM9tOewXaKXAiwiNCviR0x7G2nTxRrrTUKLOXrTqWigFoM/s320/Daisy+Pic.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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I thought of the phrase “There is nothing in this world more beautiful
than a daughter” a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to create something for
my little girls’ room, and I felt like the opportunity presented itself
when those words popped into my head. I drew the daisies in pen and
ink first, then painted them in bright watercolors. I spent a lot of
time holding the brush as far away from me as possible while I was
creating the splatters, but I got pretty messy anyway. I scanned the
painting and made all the adjustments I wanted and added the text at the
top. I can’t wait to get this up on the wall!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-63350847604633868662012-06-01T03:30:00.000-05:002012-06-01T03:30:01.486-05:00Rainbows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCVKLVTkmKCGGGx03RuGn7xiSddMDuMikrgw3e8ejF81wYlZkSZAetym8sw4ekYgbiuiEuKy_76YxVq97uMnZkkYesZrgGf3VvRCWX4mZFOTnF9NS0FyGwClMHf4QKCUo01U5d_gwHuQ/s1600/Kayla's+drawing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCVKLVTkmKCGGGx03RuGn7xiSddMDuMikrgw3e8ejF81wYlZkSZAetym8sw4ekYgbiuiEuKy_76YxVq97uMnZkkYesZrgGf3VvRCWX4mZFOTnF9NS0FyGwClMHf4QKCUo01U5d_gwHuQ/s320/Kayla's+drawing.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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My four year old daughter has gotten into making "cards". She makes dozens of them every day. Sometimes they have stickers, but they almost always have people and rainbows on them. The little thing that looks like Humpty Dumpty in the lower left corner is supposed to be her younger sister standing next to a rainbow. <br />
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As the proud mother of such a creative little girl, I am almost always the recipient of these cards. She approaches me with an expectant smile and her hands behind her back. She'll say to me, "Guess what Mom?"<br />
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Then I smile and say, "Yes?"<br />
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She smiles bigger and whips the card out from behind her back with a triumphant, "TA DA!" and hands it to me. I gush over how beautiful it is and tell her how happy it makes me and then we repeat the entire process every few minutes for the rest of the day.<br />
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She has made cards for grandparents and mailed them, she made cards for her friends and handed them out, she made cards for her daddy and pummeled him with them when he got home from work. I am so grateful to have such a beautiful and thoughtful little girl. She reminds me what really matters in life, and that is family. Friends come and go. Jobs, places, and homes can all change in the blink of an eye, but families are forever.<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-5914784073897778462012-05-23T00:20:00.000-05:002012-05-23T00:20:19.840-05:00Young Musician From My HometownCheck out this video of Josh Burton. One of my childhood friends just posted this video on Facebook. It is a young musician from my hometown that composes and performs his own music. His enthusiasm is so inspiring. I love his passion.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-CxMyvlyH6U" width="560"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-65468977982652458212012-05-02T03:30:00.000-05:002012-05-02T03:30:00.254-05:00View the 9th International Art ExhibitionI just realized that I hadn't posted a link to the 9th International Art Exhibition. There are so many wonderful pieces of art in the exhibit. If you don't live close enough to Salt Lake City to attend the exhibit in person, then I would highly encourage you to peruse the online exhibit. You can also vote for your favorite pieces. At the end of the exhibit (October 2012), the votes will all be tallied and a few people's choice awards will be handed out. It is a really good opportunity to see new uplifting artwork and show your support for all the artists out there that put so many hours into creating their work.<br />
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Here is the link:<br />
<a href="https://history.lds.org/viewer/voting/event/9th-art-comp?lang=eng">https://history.lds.org/viewer/voting/event/9th-art-comp?lang=eng</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-80515573375240339932012-04-30T03:30:00.000-05:002012-04-30T03:30:00.593-05:00Weekend Project: Oakland Temple Idea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9WvPLC55iuCn0YZsnSOwEUQE0i0eAbcOvJcnBHCSpsF0mlXr0VWE7GtT70MtTo74DAyJmkyYlFa5PwJHuw8PeRWIeqQzEVmOFY0A-21OGPULGvKJ5cAhBagUIJkqaDwAJBOUAqGExTs/s1600/Oakland+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9WvPLC55iuCn0YZsnSOwEUQE0i0eAbcOvJcnBHCSpsF0mlXr0VWE7GtT70MtTo74DAyJmkyYlFa5PwJHuw8PeRWIeqQzEVmOFY0A-21OGPULGvKJ5cAhBagUIJkqaDwAJBOUAqGExTs/s320/Oakland+Temple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Oakland California Temple Sketch</div>
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Copyright Dena McMurdie </div>
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I decided that I need to have a painting of my local temple, which is the Oakland California temple. It is a beautiful temple with breathtaking grounds. Unlike my <a href="http://denamcmurdie.blogspot.com/2012/03/im-award-winner.html" target="_blank">Nauvoo Temple</a> painting, there really are two rows of trees that extend the length of the grounds. </div>
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A lot of times when I paint things like buildings, it is easier and faster for me to sketch it on my computer and move the elements around until I am happy with the composition. I find the digital composition easy to manipulate and to try different ideas on. I can even test colors on it without it requiring too much time or mess. With things like portraits, I still work out my composition the old fashioned way, with a pencil and paper. <br />
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I am so excited to finally have a painting of the Oakland Temple. It will be a wonderful addition to my home and invite the Spirit. I also hope that it will give my children something tangible to look at and strive for. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-25390512758407733522012-04-27T12:48:00.000-05:002012-04-27T12:48:06.432-05:00Thought to Consider"...you who are gifted may not be more deserving, but you are much more responsible than the rest of us." <br />
- Boyd K. Packer, <i>The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord</i>, Feb 1, 1976<br />
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He was speaking to artists when he made this statement. I have often repeated this to myself. I know that my artistic talent comes from above, and this quote is an excellent reminder that this gift was given to me for a reason. I am responsible to use it in such a way that would please my Father in Heaven.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-84298657145736507972012-04-25T03:30:00.000-05:002012-04-25T03:30:03.596-05:00Repeatable Poppy Pattern for Textiles and Fabric<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSI8t1D9FWI8vVMyaJvR5XlX6ZeOTk7sOqKpT7QFzAEIG2KKmKX_5IlXfmogRITF7z2CMkrRsyw9iIeohiu1uUAPx9pWIBkD7Ej1fl_O3oPVgsoqys5fTMPJzqruCfy64NkhSqdUC8d8/s1600/Poppy+pattern+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCSI8t1D9FWI8vVMyaJvR5XlX6ZeOTk7sOqKpT7QFzAEIG2KKmKX_5IlXfmogRITF7z2CMkrRsyw9iIeohiu1uUAPx9pWIBkD7Ej1fl_O3oPVgsoqys5fTMPJzqruCfy64NkhSqdUC8d8/s320/Poppy+pattern+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>California Poppies</i></div>
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Repeatable pattern for textiles and fabric</div>
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One of the things that I have always wanted to do was design artwork for fabric, textiles, tableware, etc. I decided to finally take the plunge and give it a try. Spoonflower is a website that lets you upload your own designs and print them onto fabric. You can also open up a shop and let other people purchase fabric with your designs on it. The only downside to this is that you must purchase a test swatch for every design you want to sell. The test swatches cost $5 each. Being the penny pincher that I am, I haven't actually opened up a shop. <br />
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However, I did enter one of their competitions. The theme was pen and ink with watercolor. It was right up my alley, and I figured that there is no better way to test the waters than by diving right in. So yes, this is my entry. <br />
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Personally, I love it. The bright orange of the California Poppies is one of my favorite colors. I will probably order a yard or two of this design and use it for a throw pillow or a decorative box. If you had a couple yards of this fabric, what would you make?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-28533469947342927372012-04-04T16:06:00.002-05:002012-04-04T16:06:57.937-05:00Tempermental Artists"Because I intend to be quite direct in my comments, I am a bit
concerned. For I know when we touch this subject we talk of people who
are very gifted. And people who are very gifted, it would seem, tend to
be temperamental."<br />
- Boyd K. Packer, <i>The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord</i>, Feb 1, 1976<br />
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Judging by this comment, I think that Elder Packer has known an artist or two in his day.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-90521962658785117102012-04-02T12:14:00.003-05:002012-04-02T12:14:52.631-05:00General Conference WeekendOver the past two days I had the opportunity to tune in to the General Conference Broadcast of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. While I was not able to listen to every talk (I have two little kids that needed attention and food), I thoroughly enjoyed the uplifting messages that I did hear. I especially loved Elder M. Russell Ballard's talk about prioritizing family and the benefits from it. There are two benefits to making family time a priority that I had never realized were connected before yesterday. Those benefits are education and prosperity. Here is a link to the video if you want to hear more:<br />
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<a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1542488918001&cid=4">http://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch/2012/04?lang=eng&vid=1542488918001&cid=4</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-7747300064337577172012-03-28T13:01:00.001-05:002012-03-28T13:01:33.358-05:00FREE BOOK!My college roommate <a href="http://deborahandreasenbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Deborah Andreasen</a> wrote <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Gifted-ebook/dp/B004VGTJ6U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332957123&sr=8-2" target="_blank">"The Gifted"</a> and published it one year ago today. She is giving away FREE Kindle copies of the book on Amazon today and tomorrow only. Make sure you get your copy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Gifted-ebook/dp/B004VGTJ6U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332957123&sr=8-2" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a> to go to Amazon to download your free copy! <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Gifted-ebook/dp/B004VGTJ6U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332957123&sr=8-2" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51vKuFgl4kL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA278_PIkin4,BottomRight,-66,22_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-82121614850278534392012-03-23T23:05:00.001-05:002012-03-23T23:05:29.477-05:00Photos of QualityI am sure I cannot be the only artist out there that browses through Pinterest and thinks, "How does everyone have such beautiful photos?"
Maybe people only pin quality photos. I know that the vast majority of my friends pins are of a very creative and well planned photograph. It got me thinking about my own blog and how I need to be more conscious of using quality photos. I have always been a point and shoot, snap and go kind of girl. Maybe it's time I change my ways.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-70755427625026934432012-03-20T15:01:00.000-05:002012-03-20T15:01:13.936-05:00Inspiration for New Temple Paintings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGV5q6RX9IxJSqQIBX6WMhW9vAG7uTrQQKXGlHplFn0P9Tz3CNTBouslhSVQKDQHo6T55QVR_BPZXjWbFA0PK1-ShbnmghjCqk_MJatBhBDFLo6H-3LNrgfQ8QjYjIWg_LPd9XeDDIe78/s320/IMG_0433.jpg" width="213" /></div>
Okay so this picture doesn't really count as inspiration, but I just thought it was such a nice photo of our whole family. <br />
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<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1NjxfpFKA5HcDsI9eenrRvSL736HCA-nEfPMCo9DVZUJihDpRUme5WKZr8lv8PO3jdS-dkDE__0rsowiK6nODkymDOGuw2lQ4mh0WapCHbt7z0VD2nYuQfR2DnmJ35h3ZTR2wod2UBU/s320/P1000019.JPG" width="320" /></div>
The Jordan River Temple. I kind of wish that I had been able to get a photo of it on a sunny day, but I think that this will work just fine. It might actually work better for me depending on how I choose to paint it. <br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5I6DpRfm1sRnU-eqcYBF3VGW-aYgsATcpocUqPt1gR4kzdEm3ho28Ic3th8KgqgO_Bt3B8ZJOXHBSfWGQBZF4EMqfzVYVP6UiGrY-IU4ugELhI9_OLOCsXBisSDMrcEaUw4rHzqwQJw/s320/P1000037.JPG" width="240" /></div>
The Salt Lake City Temple. I cannot wait to paint this one. I just love love love it. Like the Nauvoo temple, it has captured my heart and I am itching to have it on my wall.<br />
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I also recently took photos of the Cardston, Alberta, Canada Temple and the Oakland, California Temple. I grew up in Cardston and I was married in that temple, so it has very personal and significant meaning to me. The Oakland Temple is my current temple. I love it as well. Other temples that I have lived near are Mesa, Arizona, Chicago, Illinois, Denver, Colorado, Rexburg, Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Twin Falls, Idaho. Temples are so beautiful, I want to paint them all!<br />
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My name is written on a rock that sits underneath the Baptismal Font in the Twin Falls, Idaho temple. My husband and I lived in Twin Falls and watched the construction of the temple. We even have a discarded piece of exterior stone. The Angel Moroni was erected during our lunch breaks from work and we drove over to watch it go up. It was a very exciting day! We moved to Wisconsin two weeks before the open house started, so I've never actually been able to attend that temple. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-43762450982705366382012-03-19T12:29:00.000-05:002012-03-19T12:29:16.318-05:00The Awards CeremonyI just got back from the Awards Ceremony for the 9th International Art Competition. It was a VERY long drive there and another long drive back. But I am very glad that I have such a wonderful husband and kids that are willing to pack up and spend five days in the car just so that I could attend the ceremony.<br />
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I found out some interesting numbers at the ceremony. There were exactly 1155 entries to the show. 260 pieces of art were shipped to the Museum of Church History and Art for the second round of judging. 198 pieces were accepted into the show. There were 20 Merit Awards given out and 15 Purchase Awards (which is the one that I received).<br />
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A couple of people spoke about the history of the competition and the significance of it. It has been a tradition now for 27 years and has helped many LDS artists gain exposure and a receptive audience for their work. Many of the great Mormon artists alive today got their start in this competition (Walter Raine for one). Much of the artwork that was accepted into the show leaned toward modern styles. A quote was read (I wish I could remember who it was by!) from an artist saying that uplifting artwork enriches the soul. It does so much good for a person, that it should be as essential to us as a kitchen table and chairs.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jhT0kn0-aI5T3-gKklwLfNeE6fcLqm92lbBlDXYoOK_yvbo7vyU4hhvBriP6wANwivjDfxJ9udge6mhtd3d_0eApAA9ur3ztkyz-9EgS_sChN_CMf8Tb8wnZMcHvCdo2mGQclf6xpzg/s1600/P1000044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jhT0kn0-aI5T3-gKklwLfNeE6fcLqm92lbBlDXYoOK_yvbo7vyU4hhvBriP6wANwivjDfxJ9udge6mhtd3d_0eApAA9ur3ztkyz-9EgS_sChN_CMf8Tb8wnZMcHvCdo2mGQclf6xpzg/s320/P1000044.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here I am with my brother and his wife during the Awards Ceremony. I'm on the left, my brother Jensen is in the middle, and his wife Vivian is on the right.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_TkSDmdk7OlvPUwKnXIYdFdEGWuVJfZN7AW4bFi4t7fNtpqY9-kISQxUm-_DETOV3yob7iylKhZfdeOw0Ug9KEcUcM_0ag-V0mCJ3XtCZURS2ZrTmMa61g-e-LSWc3x6XtlG244fUzE/s1600/P1000045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_TkSDmdk7OlvPUwKnXIYdFdEGWuVJfZN7AW4bFi4t7fNtpqY9-kISQxUm-_DETOV3yob7iylKhZfdeOw0Ug9KEcUcM_0ag-V0mCJ3XtCZURS2ZrTmMa61g-e-LSWc3x6XtlG244fUzE/s320/P1000045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
One of the things that I absolutely love about the LDS Art Competition is all the support and excitement that surrounds it. Hundreds of people show up to show their support and see the newest artwork by LDS artists.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL_A93lEcyTvSg0jvNmyKSVd3G3vacKOZd-haLTxmqPJ4aD0pATY6Y52eGw6-NW37W__-iMAH4qqDBlacdfn8OkiXnWKcf9OujBH3LKeGvXD5yLAjnvOJTwE0Yy64UzitlteY0WXBA8Q/s1600/P1000049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOL_A93lEcyTvSg0jvNmyKSVd3G3vacKOZd-haLTxmqPJ4aD0pATY6Y52eGw6-NW37W__-iMAH4qqDBlacdfn8OkiXnWKcf9OujBH3LKeGvXD5yLAjnvOJTwE0Yy64UzitlteY0WXBA8Q/s320/P1000049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
My little girl and I by my painting. I had the privilege of speaking to many patrons and art lovers that attended the reception. Meeting and getting to know new people is one of my favorite parts of my job!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-38096446816021743142012-03-13T15:29:00.000-05:002012-03-13T15:29:20.908-05:00Live Broadcast of the Awards CeremonyIf any of you would like to see the live broadcast of the Awards Ceremony, tune in on Friday, March 16, 2012 at 6:00 Mountain Time. Here is the link to the broadcast:<br />
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<a href="mms://a1119.l12520051118.c125200.g.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1119/125200/v0001/reflector:51118"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span>mms://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>a1119.l12520051118.c125200.g.lm</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>.akamaistream.net/D/1119/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>125200/v0001/reflector:51118</span></a></h6>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-88091882581201190892012-03-05T16:15:00.000-06:002012-03-07T18:08:24.179-06:00It's a Winner!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSOUT5zIt2_SPf1kMLkDurID6psZjZ3N6Gf1fYp_LNOeBmqki-fI6rAPq9zYpzCRUxNcxh43jdhGhu_-g4T4p_bz1BKt8bUFRszyoZ00omKfUIlJ13bNfECwkE35gY1eBpja-WGCzRBc/s400/Nauvoo+Temple+small.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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I received a letter a few days ago telling me that my "Nauvoo Temple" painting has been given a Purchase Award from the Museum of Church History and Art. This means that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has bought my painting. Out of the 1,200 entries for the show, approximately 160 are accepted for the exhibition. Out of that 160, the Museum only purchases a few pieces for their permanent collection. They give out 20 merit awards and 3 people's choice awards as well. I am honored and thrilled to be the recipient of such an award. <br />
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I have already been asked a lot of the same questions about this award. I will try to answer the most common ones.<br />
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<li><b>What do you get for this award?</b><br />The Museum bought my painting, so that is a major honor in itself. I obviously get paid for the painting, and the knowledge that something I created is now circulating the LDS Church's permanent art collection. </li>
<li><b>Do you receive royalties from prints that the Church makes?</b><br />While it is a nice idea, the likelihood of the Church making prints of my painting is not very high. The Church makes prints of very few paintings. The prints that you see in Deseret Bookstore or Beehive Bookstore are all licensed through private companies that are completely separate from the Church itself. However, I can still make prints and reproductions of the painting and sell them.</li>
<li><b>Will your painting be in the Ensign?</b><br />With 160 accepted entries for the show, it is unlikely that my painting will be put in the two page spread in the Ensign that covers the show. It is possible, though. The fact that it received an award makes the chances a little better. So keep your eyes pealed in the May issue of the Ensign. It might make an appearance.</li>
<li><b>Do you know where your painting will be?</b><br />From March 16, 2012 until October 14, 2012, my painting will be hanging in the exhibit at the Church History Museum. After that, I have no idea.</li>
<li><b>Are you going to the show?</b><br />Yes. My family and I are going to attend the awards ceremony and opening exhibit on March 16th. The awards ceremony starts at 6:00pm and the exhibit opens at 7:00pm if any of you want to come.</li>
<li><b>What's next?</b><br />I have a LOT of new paintings planned. I have more temple paintings in the works, as well as a painting of the Sacred Grove. I am working on getting a strong group of images together to license out. </li>
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I have had a few people ask me how much my painting sold for. I am a little hesitant to tell people. I feel like it is a private transaction between myself and the buyer and I want to respect their privacy. If my buyer(s) wish to reveal how much they paid for the painting, that is their decision to make.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-68459982749956385802012-02-10T15:07:00.001-06:002012-02-10T15:08:12.713-06:00Nauvoo Temple Painting is Accepted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSOUT5zIt2_SPf1kMLkDurID6psZjZ3N6Gf1fYp_LNOeBmqki-fI6rAPq9zYpzCRUxNcxh43jdhGhu_-g4T4p_bz1BKt8bUFRszyoZ00omKfUIlJ13bNfECwkE35gY1eBpja-WGCzRBc/s1600/Nauvoo+Temple+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSOUT5zIt2_SPf1kMLkDurID6psZjZ3N6Gf1fYp_LNOeBmqki-fI6rAPq9zYpzCRUxNcxh43jdhGhu_-g4T4p_bz1BKt8bUFRszyoZ00omKfUIlJ13bNfECwkE35gY1eBpja-WGCzRBc/s320/Nauvoo+Temple+small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Nauvoo Temple</i> - 10x20</div>
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Oil on Canvas</div>
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Copyright 2012 Dena McMurdie</div>
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It's official! I received a letter this morning from the Museum of Church History and Art stating that my painting <i>Nauvoo Temple</i> passed the second round of judging and will be displayed in the 9th International Art Competition. I am absolutely thrilled! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.<br />
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If everything goes according to plan, then I will be able to attend the opening reception which will take place on March 16th. The awards ceremony will be at 6:00pm at the Assembly Hall on Temple Square and a reception will follow at the Church History Museum until 9:00pm. The exhibit will remain open through October 14, 2012, and will be online at <a href="http://www.lds.org/museum">www.lds.org/museum</a> starting March 17, 2012. Some entries will also appear in Church publications like the <i>Ensign</i>, <i>Liahona</i>, and <i>Church News</i>.<br />
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If you are able to come to the opening reception, I would love to see you there!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-63316843817362103762012-01-27T16:51:00.003-06:002012-01-27T16:51:55.497-06:00It's a Crazy RideIn light of the popularity of my "<a href="http://www.denamcmurdie.blogspot.com/2011/12/nauvoo-temple-prints-available.html" target="_blank">Nauvoo Temple</a>" painting, my entire ideas for my artwork have shifted. Galleries and exotic mountain art auctions don't hold the same appeal for me anymore. I feel like I'm on the edge of something great, something fantastic. I'll let you know when it happens. Or maybe I'll just post the great and fantastic something as I work toward it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4678549195278586451.post-75478111797718062862012-01-09T17:02:00.001-06:002012-01-09T17:02:11.530-06:00What I Love About Being a MomAs my faithful blog readers will know, I am a mother to two little girls. I stay home with them and paint ever spare minute I get. I absolutely love staying home with my kids. Not too long ago, I accidentally applied for a job as a Google Doodler. I say accidentally because I didn't intend to apply. I met the wife of a Googler that happened to know the designer in charge of hiring a new Doodler. She gave them my information. While I was flattered that they might actually consider me (I mean, it's GOOGLE! I have <i>always</i> wanted to work there), I couldn't bear the thought of leaving my kids at daycare. <br />
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I love being with my kids every minute of every day. That may sound strange to some people, but believe me, I have really nice kids. Take today, for example. I got to do my girls' hair this morning, then we read through all our library books before heading down to take them back. We spent a nice hour or so browsing books and picking out titles. My four year old has just discovered Roald Dahl and was very excited to check out some more of his stories. Then I let them play in the kid section for a bit. We came home and had crepes for lunch. It was a fantastic disaster of batter, nutella, bananas, and whipped cream. Then baby #2 went to bed for a nap while baby #1 stayed up and played GO FISH with me. <br />
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Sometimes I feel sorry for my husband that he has to go to work all day while I get to play with the kids. It isn't always cupcakes and roses, but I sure wouldn't trade it. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07242093737449452993noreply@blogger.com0