Publisher's Notes

It's Sunday afternoon and it's raining (in New Hampshire.)   So I decided to sit down and catch up with some friends (that would be you).   I'm comfortable on the sofa drinking a hot cup of mint tea, computer on my lap.   The past weeks have been filled with work, work, work.  I have painted, written and printed instructions for new pattern packets and am now preparing for the New England Traditions Trade Show.  In fact, I'm really looking forward to the trade show and being out of the office/studio and visiting with other painters and TPR readers.   I have quite a few new patterns finished that will debut at the trade show and I'm excited to see how they go over with painters.   One of my newest designs is from a collection that I have titled "It's A Girl Thing."   It's a thin wooden Bling (jewelry) box with "girl" things painted on the cover.   A purse, a shoe, a compact.......you know.... the things that girls of all ages love.  

I had so much fun researching and writing the last TRENDS article in TPR that I decided to take the “girl” theme to the paint brush and came up with quite a few “girl” related paintings.  I hope you can make it to the New England show and stop by to see me and my new designs, and as always, copies of the newest issue of TPR will be there available for free.  Also from the last issue of the newspaper….I want to thank those of you who sent in condolences on the loss of my sweet little Cole.  It seems that most everyone has an open heart to pets and so many could relate to my hurt. 

It is funny at how fast one issue of TPR is finalized and another is on the table.   We are working on the November/December issue now, with a theme of All Things Bright and Beautiful.   Our extremely talented cover artist has been in the Decorative Painting Business for a very long time and has designed a cute cover that will be right in season.       Sparkly, shiny, bold....what says bright to you?  Colorful, elegant, simple....beautiful can come in many forms too.  Bright and Beautiful is open to interpretation and it makes a great Christmas theme.     tis the season for painting.    ……Another great issue is on its way in November…..    Tracy

This issue turned out interesting.  There is a little of everything in it.   The Trends article is fun and fresh, I was thinking of a younger audience when I decided on the subject of fashion but I think it is a fun read for everyone.   It has been a long time since I really cared about what was new and “hip” in fashion trends.    Normally I go out and buy what fits and what my shape and age can get away with….so if it is actually fashionable, well, that’s a bonus!!!   But the new colors (deep blue, & apple green to name a few), the metallic accents and the deep colored, glossy patent leathers that are currently “in” just really caught my eye!    In fact,  I just bought my first-ever pair of red shoes.   But they certainly aren’t the kind to wear to painting class!    I guess my point is that the fashion article opened my eyes to the new bold color trend and gave me a youthful enthusiasm again.   Not only in my wardrobe but also in my painting;  I experimented with colors and techniques to reproduce some of the trendy looks and had fun just playing around with products for a day.  Then I pulled out a gallery wrapped 12 x 12 canvas and painted a wonderful sleek, contemporary RED shoe on it.   I liked that so much that I pulled out another 12 x 12 canvas and painted a RED purse to compliment it!   I felt like I was designing the style of paintings I had done back in college.  So you see, we can be inspired by many things…..hope the article leads you to new colors combo’s.   Some of my new designs will be on my website soon, and definitely at the NET trade show.  (www.thepaintingrag.com/tracy)

Now going in the other direction, in this issue of TPR I also included an article about my sweet Cole.  He has been the furry light of my life for over twelve years and I had to say good bye to him this summer.  I can’t believe how much I mourned over his loss.  He was a wonderful dog and family member and my days are very different without him.

This issue also has a great article on drawing.   Susan Boerman walks us through drawing supplies and some at-home exercises to help us develop drawing skills.   Once we have practiced and progressed a bit, she is working on a follow up article to bring us further along in the process. 

Artist Beth Wagner designed the Fall cover and we had a great conversation when I interviewed her.  She is so full of energy and it is contagious, so if you need a “pick me up” sign up for one of her classes.  But be ready to express yourself a little instead of getting hung up on your painting “looking like the teachers.”    

Marlena shares a family recipe with us once again and an endearing story about her Mom and husband.    Oh, and be sure to look for our new Readers Rewards in this issue!!   Each issue will offer Specials, discounts or freebies for TPR Readers only. 

For those of you who are planning to attend NET, please stop at TPR booth and say hi.  I am planning to be at the booth the entire time and I’ll be demonstrating my mopping technique.  You can check out the red shoe.  (the one on the canvas, not the ones on my feet!)  ………..Tracy