Sunday, January 31, 2016

Bunnies on Plaid - the Poster!

The 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge has ended. There were 1403 artists from around the world participating... wow! I appreciate Leslie Saeta, the creator and host of this challenge. Thank you, Leslie.

Now I get to make my challenge poster, showing all 30 paintings together. How colorful and fun this turned out! (as usual, can click image to enlarge)


"Bunnies on Plaid"
by Retta Stephenson



Thanks for following along, and I hope you enjoyed my Bunnies. And here is the link to Leslie's blog so you can enjoy collages from the other artists. They are so colorful!

Retta


PS:  I'm putting the bunnies all together in a Facebook photo album (click on Photos then Albums, and you'll see the album titled Jan 2016 Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge). It's fun and colorful to see them altogether!  

Saturday, January 30, 2016

Day 30 - Dare Greatly - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

It's over! 

I made it to the end of the 30in30 painting challenge. I truly appreciate the support and comments given. Some days were a real bear, and your interest helped energize me. Thank you so much!

My husband said this last bunny should be named "The End". But it's title "Dare Greatly" is taken from the famous speech by Theodore Roosevelt, which means a lot to me. 

So, I'd like to share the complete version here, hoping it will inspire you also:

"The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly; who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."




"Dare Greatly"
by Retta Stephenson

6x6 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
Special challenge price of
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this daring bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).

Pricing note: These original mini art bunny paintings will soon be listed at an online gallery (I will post the link when it's finalized) therefore the special challenge price will no longer apply. They will revert to normal pricing, around $72 each for the 4x4 inch bunnies, and around $108 for the 6x6 inch bunnies. So if you think you'd like a bunny to come live with you, please consider deciding before the change is made, so I can give you the direct-from-artist best pricing. :-)

As always, thank you for visiting, and I greatly appreciate any and all comments. I hope you've enjoyed following along on this adventure!

Retta


PS:  I'm putting the bunnies all together in a Facebook photo album (click on Photos then Albums, and you'll see the album titled Jan 2016 Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge). It's fun and colorful to see them altogether! 

Friday, January 29, 2016

Day 29 - Curiosity - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

As an artist, I enjoy asking the question "What if?"

What would happen if I combined two things that I like: rabbits and madras plaids.

When I was a teenager, we raised rabbits. Then again, early in my marriage, my husband and I raised Rex rabbits.

As a kid, I remember loving the bright and colorful Madras plaid fabrics.

So... I combined those two things, and the result was this series!



"Curiosity"
by Retta Stephenson

6x6 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
Special challenge price of
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 

These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this curious duo to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and I truly appreciate the comments and support.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album (click on Photos then Albums, and you'll see the album titled Jan 2016 Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge). It's fun and colorful to see them altogether! 

Thursday, January 28, 2016

Day 28 - Joyful - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

From a singer/songwriter I grew up with, Bob Dylan:

"May your heart always be joyful. 
May your song always be sung."



"Joyful"
by Retta Stephenson

6x6 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
Special challenge price of
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this joyful bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).


As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment or ask a question.

Retta

PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Day 27 - Authenticity - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

And now for some wisdom from Dr Seuss:

"Today you are you! 
That is truer than true!
There is no one alive
Who is you-er than you!



"Authenticity"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this authentic bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).


As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Day 26 - Love - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

Here is truth that touches me deeply:

"I have never met a person whose greatest need was anything other than real, unconditional love. You can find it in a simple act of kindness toward someone who needs help. There is no mistaking love. You feel it in your heart. It is the common fiber of life, the flame that heats our soul, energizes our spirit and supplies passion to our lives. It is our Connection to God and to each other."
--Elizabeth Kulber-Ross, The Wheel of Life



"Love"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this loving bunny rabbit to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment or question.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Monday, January 25, 2016

Day 25 - Courage - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

I've long been inspired by this quote: "We cannot discover new oceans until we have the courage to lose sight of the shore." --Andre Gide



"Courage"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this courageous bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).


As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment, question, or your own favorite quote.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Day 24 - Compassion - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

The reason I'm choosing uplifting quotes and titles for my mini art paintings is simple. I believe, totally, that the things with which we surround ourselves will create and color our lives.

That includes the people in our lives, what we choose to read and see and hear. ALL input. When we have some negative input over which we have no real choice, then I believe it's that much more important to deliberately take in uplifting "stuff" to counteract the negative impact on us.

And this uplifting input includes ART!

"Yes, your cells hear your affirmations, but more importantly, 
they FEEL your emotions." --Lori Campbell

"I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion - 
and where it isn't, that's where my work lies." --Ram Dass





"Compassion"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 

These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this compassionate rabbit to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment or question.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Saturday, January 23, 2016

Day 23 - Excellence - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

Trying to be perfect is a losing proposition. Instead, I believe a great goal to aim for is a standard of Excellence. That's the title of today's bunny.




"Excellence"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 

These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this most excellent bunbun to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment or question.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Friday, January 22, 2016

Day 22 - Determined - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

Sleepy. Achey. Discouraged. Frustrated.

Inspiration has flown the coop!

I don't WANT to paint today, said I. 

I whined, I pouted, I procrastinated.

Then, as I remembered the titled I had picked for this bunny, I cracked up:

Determined.

I laughed at the coinky-dink. HeWhoIsNotAnArtist also laughed, heartily.

Another cup of coffee as I sat before my easel, inviting the Muse to please come and blow me a kiss.

"What this power is I cannot say; all I know is that it exists and it becomes available only when a man is in that state of mind in which he knows exactly what he wants and is fully determined not to quit until he finds it."
--Alexander Graham Bell




"Determined"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this determined bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment, question, or commiseration. ;-)

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Day 21 - Happy - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

My quote for this frolicking little bunny today is from a remarkable young lady, Anne Frank:

"Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy."



"Happy"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this happy little rabbit to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment or question.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album.  

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Day 20 - Believe - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

The quote I've paired with today's bunny is one that has inspired me for YEARS. 

Meditating on it reveals to me areas I need work on... doubts that linger... fears that sneak in and syphon off motivation... lack of belief in myself.

In short, it's important to me:

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you would not fail?"
-Robert Schuller




"Believe"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this bunbun to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting, and feel free to leave a comment or question.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Day 19 - Kindness - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

My quote for today's little bunny is from Mother Teresa:

"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible."




"Kindness"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this little bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album.  

Monday, January 18, 2016

Day 18 - Gratitude - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

One thing I have learned, is that there is always something for which to feel grateful. Some days I may not "feel" like focusing on it, but it's still there. And that, in itself, is something I can feel thankful for! :-)


"There shall be an eternal summer in the grateful heart."
--Celia Thaxter






"Gratitude"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this little bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Day 17 - Playful - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

As hard as it's been to keep up with this 30 day challenge, it's also been fun. It feels playful, even while I've been learning a lot. So I loved this quote from Albert Einstein when I came across it:

"Play is the highest form of research."



"Playful"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this playful bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thank you for visiting.

Retta

PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Day 16 - Joy - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

I enJOYed painting this little bunny!


"A joyful heart is good medicine". 
- Proverbs 17:22



"Joy"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this joyful rabbit to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting.

Retta

PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Friday, January 15, 2016

Day 15 - Laughter - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

Comedian Milton Berle once said "Laughter is an instant vacation".

And Walt Disney said "Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever."

I just couldn't resist this comical little bunny for todays mini art painting.




"Laughter"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 


These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this funny bunny to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thanks for visiting.

Retta



PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album. 

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Day 14 - Goodness - Thirty Paintings in Thirty Days Challenge

Recently I read a fascinating book by Cheryl Strayed titled "Wild" about her backpacking trek along the Pacific Crest Trail (I live in Oregon). 

The quote for todays mini art is from Cheryl Strayed:

"You will learn a lot about yourself if you stretch in the direction of goodness, 
of bigness, of kindness, of forgiveness, of emotional bravery. 
Be a warrior for love."




"Goodness"
by Retta Stephenson

4x4 inch acrylic on wrapped canvas
$30 includes it's own FREE wooden 
mini display easel and 
FREE shipping in the continental US

(other locations please email artbyretta@gmail.com 
for shipping costs) 



These mini art paintings are being sold on a first come first served basis, so anyone interested please email me at artbyretta@gmail.com with any questions. If you'd like this little rabbit to come and live with you, simply click on the Button above (you don't need a Paypal account).



As always, thank you for visiting.

Retta


PS: I invite you to watch my daily Facebook posts for photos of my bunnies, where I'm putting them all together in a Facebook photo album.