Art and Various Other Things

New Beach Collage Art

2012-01-15T23:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

2011-12-23T22:18:00.000-05:00

A Wonderful Autumn Escape

2011-11-07T20:18:00.001-05:00

Close your eyes. Then imagine ... freshly fallen leaves swirling around your feet during a perfect autumn day, the smell of a cool, crisp morning breeze tickling your nose, and the vision of three morons with halloween masks and loaded guns running through the woods trying to escape the police. Can you visualize it? Luckily, I cannot firsthand thanks to several police vehicles and some guy in an unmarked car who yelled "Go away! It's dangerous here!" as I approached the woods with my camera in hand. I only know the details of the idiots who tried to rob a bank and flee by foot into these woods from the only source I want this information from - the news. I have to say that the next day when I returned to the scene of the escape route, I wasn't quite comfortable and kept looking over my shoulder, so I took a few shots and left. And, of course, I needed to add some sparkles to compensate for the almost traumatic experience.

Spiderman

2011-10-05T11:50:00.000-04:00

Hubby pointed this out to me the other day... a beautiful spider web near our front porch and the lovely creature that inhabits it. Every time I walk through any web and feel it tickle my neck, I frantically brush it off and think.... hmmm... wonder if something is still attached and hmmm... if so, I'm sure it's just a tiny thing. The answers are yes something is attached and no it's not tiny. This guy is about an inch from top to bottom. So, next time I walk through a web, I now know that a little extra ~~freaking out~~ brushing may be necessary. And my son, who totally thinks out of the box, named it Spiderman.

Ode to Summer

2011-10-04T19:17:00.000-04:00

Lovely trees... lovely day. It was a vivid bright green day, but felt like a soft pale green day to me. Summer to fall is always a pleasure... as long as you don't have to turn on the furnace yet.

What's wrong honey?

2011-09-14T14:50:00.002-04:00

While I'm seemingly uninspired at the moment to create new artwork, I've been scrolling through old family photos and came across these three which always make me laugh. My son, many years ago, waiting in line at his 3 year old t-ball practice.

1st Photo - He seems to be bored. Probably just staring at a bug.

2nd Photo - Now he seems to be angry at something... maybe at his hair?

3rd Photo - Geez, what's wrong? He storms out of his line straight toward me and lets me have it. "Dop daking pidures mom!"

And as he demanded, I did dop daking pidures.

Fuchsia

2011-06-09T18:45:00.002-04:00

Bleeding Hearts

2011-05-24T13:11:00.001-04:00

These are such beautiful flowers. One of the few plants my dogs have allowed to survive. With this one I can't decide... texture or no texture? I can't decide. The textured one is in my Etsy shop.

Our Little Hambone

2011-05-19T11:10:00.000-04:00

Little Hammy is not so little anymore. He's almost 6 months old and 62 pounds. Poor guy just got back from the vet the other day after having his manhood adjusted. They say to keep him calm and still for at least a week - preferable two weeks. Yeah, right. He just spent the last hour running through the house wreaking havoc on anything and everything!

A Saturday in 1973

2011-03-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

My vague recollection is that his pool was like Disneyland to me and my sister - how many years ago? Geez. Though I didn't actually take this photo, I'm sure mom or dad wouldn't mind if I used it. I love that guy on the right! I'm guessing the year was 1973 and while looking at it, I can hear Chicago on the radio singing Saturday in the Park. Oh the memories... It can be found here.

Wishing for...

2011-03-03T12:28:00.000-05:00

Wishing for anything other than bare frozen trees and a foot of snow on the ground.
These can be found in my Etsy Shop.

This is Hammy

2011-02-04T14:51:00.000-05:00

We have a new puppy named Hammy. Hammy the hambone, hamster, hammer, hamburger... the names just keep evolving. He's 10 weeks old and is a mix of many breeds including some type of hound dog (we're guessing). Given his droopy eyes, short thick legs and howling fit when I put him in his crate, I'm going with basset hound. I've never had a hound before... this should be interesting. Even though he is so laid back now, we have evidence that in the next few months he is going to be hell on wheels. Bring it on Hammy!

Love is in the Air

2011-01-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

Many moons ago, a guy named Peter and a gal named Carissa carved their love on a tree. I loved it so much, I took a photo and dressed it up a bit just for Valentine's Day. This print can be personalized ... if it fits in the carved heart then it's a go! See it in my etsy shop.

Harbin Ice Festival

2011-01-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

Check out this ice festival held every year in Harbin, China. Yes... that is ICE - crazy. This is one of the most incredible and beautiful things I've ever seen. Be sure to scroll through all the photos here. Just amazing! (photo is from totallycoolpix.com).

A Blustery Day

2011-01-12T20:35:00.001-05:00

Apparently, there was snow in 49 states today! Ok, the dusting in Florida doesn't quite compare to the East Coast, but it's still a "huh" tidbit. My Blustery Day is found here.

My Traveling Art

2011-01-06T13:01:00.002-05:00

On rare occasions, customers send me a photo of how they frame or display my art. I'm always curious and absolutely love seeing the results. One particular customer, who was wonderful to work with, posted about her prints on her blog (January 6 post). I wish her fun adventures as she travels across our beautiful country (with my art tow). Thanks Joyce!

Welcome Year 2011!

2010-12-30T19:10:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! Wow... too weird. Wasn't it just a few years ago we were preparing for the new millennium? And just for the new year, it looks like a little heat wave in Michigan will melt all this beautiful snow and ice. Until next snow storm - Cheers!

A little bit of fog and fantasy!

2010-12-08T12:36:00.000-05:00

Found here.

Jack Handey

2010-12-02T13:05:00.001-05:00

I haven't watched Saturday Night Live for years. I do remember Jack Handey.  This one cracks me up.  I need this book.

One thing kids like is to be tricked.  For instance, I was going
to take my nephew to Disneyland, but instead I drove him to an old
burned-out warehouse. "Oh no," I said, "Disneyland burned down."

He cried and cried, but I think that deep down he thought it was a
pretty good joke.  I started to drive over to the real Disneyland, but

decided to go home instead!

Sweet Dreams!

2010-11-21T23:24:00.000-05:00

Sweet Dreams has been a favorite on my website so I put together a gift set of 4 blank folding note cards and mini art print to be displayed on an easel. All found in my etsy shop!

Feeling a little pink today!

2010-11-13T12:40:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had a gorgeous foggy morning. Among all the big tall bare trees stood this little tree full of gorgeous red leaves. I don't know why, but I needed those leaves to be pink. It can be found here.

Holidays are coming!

2010-11-09T11:25:00.002-05:00

A few things come to mind this time of year. Christmas Vacation is one of them. Yes, Randy Quaid may be having many troubles this season, but he will forever be in my heart for this. (not for young ears!) I don't know how to attach utube video - hope this works!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9sY6iH9Ojg&NR=1

November is Cold!

2010-11-05T20:04:00.000-04:00

I'd say this is the first week of hats, coats and gloves worn all together. Wonder why I always work on beach art this time of year... hmmm. These are the first two in a series called Blue Skies (name inspired by one of my favorite blogs, and the fact that they are photos of blue skies).

One Good Dog

2010-10-29T11:05:00.006-04:00

Contrary to my experiences with two big yellow labs, THIS lovely dog DOES NOT pee in the car, poop 10 times a day, eat poop, roll in poop, chew window sills off, chew chair arms off, chew holes in carpet, eat books, eat rolls of toilet paper, steal food off plates, yack up unidentifiable gross stuff daily, steal pacifiers from young children, eat bars of soap, steal socks, swallow socks, walk around the back yard with half a sock sticking out of the rear OR run and dive in any body of water at any time - including blue fountain water (and we all know that yellow labs mixed with blue - make green). The monsters that did all those things are the stars in my dog art.

I adopted this furry girl four years ago from a rescue group - her name is Poe. Apparently, she was kept in the basement alone for the first year of her life. After four years with her, I recently noticed that she has finally stopped hiding under my legs whenever she hears someone coming down a flight of stairs. Though she still has some quirks, she has always been so incredibly gentle and patient with children from the first day we brought her home. Yes, she has gutted some stuffed animals in the past and I have no doubt that, given the opportunity, she would happily rip the head off of a real squirrel or bunny rabbit. But for right now, she seems content carrying around her stuffed leprechaun (still intact) that says "kiss me, I'm irish" when she plays with it.

See monster dogs below.

Need a Laugh

2010-10-26T16:58:00.003-04:00

Last holiday season, a wonderful customer bought two of my dog prints for her sister. If you want some good laughs, you need to visit her blog Blue Skies sand Yellow Dogs . I check this blog every day. You must read through as many blog posts as you can to get to know her - she refers to herself as the Zadge. Oh... I think ~~some~~ most content may not be appropriate for young readers. Yeah, I'm sure of that. These are the photos she framed and hung - check it out here.

Enter to Win A Free Print

2010-10-25T13:53:00.003-04:00

Enter to Win a FREE Print of your choice. Simply, go to my facebook page (to the right) and "LIKE" it, and you'll be entered. I'll choose and contact the winner November 30!!! (winner will be chosen randomly)

All you need...

2010-10-19T22:40:00.001-04:00

... is love! Found here.

Filmstrip Art

2010-10-05T09:59:00.001-04:00

I'm not sure there is an official name for this, but I did use filmstrip and it's supposed to be art so I'll call it filmstrip art. I love this van ...I mean this vehicle is a piece of art on its own.

Somewhere In Time

2010-09-21T23:37:00.003-04:00

This was taken at the Edsel Ford House (son of Henry Ford) on Lake St. Clair. After visiting the estate, I found this view to be the most magical. I can almost picture Edsel standing here in the 1930s taking in the view as a means to escape from the pressures of his responsibilities in the auto biz.

Red is on my mind.

2010-09-17T18:52:00.005-04:00

I've been buying Honey Crisp apples this week. Apple season is here and I'm quite enjoying it - even if they are grocery store bought. I'm really looking forward to heading up to an orchard in the next month to pluck a gorgeous apple right off the tree and eat it. Simple pleasures... So, this could explain the reason have the need for red. Found here.

Painted Photography

2010-09-10T13:46:00.004-04:00

When I started my photography kick years ago I started with film, wet darkroom processing and painted my black and white photos with oils and pencils. I loved this process, but love it even more painting with my digital brush. Painting the whole image will give it more of a vintage feel, but I think I prefer picking one dominant color.

I've always adored this photo (memory). My son is about a year old in this photo and Leo was the most tolerant dog in the world. That 90-pound dog loved sticks and he would chew them for hours. YET, he let this little man take his stick away and proceed to beat the ground and, inadvertently, beat Leo's head too. Don't worry... no animals were physically hurt in this incident... just feelings.

Flag Football

2010-08-30T16:21:00.003-04:00

Since my son has started playing football, I am definitely becoming a fan of the sport. These kids are only 6 and 7 years old but practice for two hours every night in hot weather. What surprises me is that they are so young that they still have chubby cheeks, cry at skinned knees, need help tying shoes and chase butterflies... YET they can pull off playing a wonderful, organized, competitive game of football that actually looks like football... impressive! Guess which kid is my son.

Fragancia Rose

2010-08-25T14:29:00.000-04:00

For a couple of weeks, I've been searching everywhere for garden roses that I can buy ... something more interesting than the regular store bought rose (and I only have light colored roses in my yard). I found these gorgeous "Fragancia Roses". They are incredibly fragrant and gorgeous. I've never been a rose person... but I do believe I'm becoming one.

Scrumptious Roses

2010-08-21T18:14:00.001-04:00

Last year I had maybe three roses. This year has been quite a success as I've had a plethora of roses on my only rose bush. I'm so proud of these roses... they smell incredible and look so good I want to eat them!

Lake Michigan Beaches

2010-08-16T11:42:00.002-04:00

I do love Lake Michigan beaches. Bright sunny days make better swimming days, but the cloud coverage always provides more interesting photos. The tree rope was a big hit with the kids! You can't tell from the angle of the photo, but the farthest any of the kids were from the ground was only around 6 feet high. The only thing extreme about this was the hike up the sand dune. Whew!

More Color!

2010-07-10T14:46:00.001-04:00

I always use very soft subtle color in my art. How I went from that to this is a mystery. But I do love the natural bright colors. We'll see how long this phase lasts.

New Art

2010-06-16T10:30:00.000-04:00

Bold new art! Something totally different for me.

My Peonies

2010-06-04T23:21:00.000-04:00

A few of my peony flowers ... just the way they are.

Heavens to Betsy

2010-05-14T17:10:00.001-04:00

Only swimming pools for me!

Seagulls and Popcorn!

2010-05-14T11:01:00.001-04:00

You might say "Why?" and I say "Why not?"

New Art

2010-05-05T09:55:00.001-04:00

Just for fun... If it makes my son chuckle, then it's a go!

My favorite part of the day.

2010-04-10T19:35:00.002-04:00

Evening light makes everything look more beautiful!

Self Portrait

2010-03-16T21:55:00.001-04:00

Give a kid a camera and you'll get pictures of the dog, the neighbor's mailbox, the tire on a car, etc... But give a kid a camera, tripod AND remote control to the camera, and you'll get a self portrait. Of course, the experimenting begins with the "deer in headlights" shot, but then... the confidence builds and you've got a "I'm a cool cat" shot. Love that.

Underwater Photos

2010-03-08T18:08:00.008-05:00

More than 10 years ago, I was goofing around with an underwater camera and my dogs... and voila! Even though I loved the results of these two photos, I never tried it again. If I recall, my dogs were quite abusive in the water... climbing on me and scratching me with their nails. Well, on vacation last month I tried it again with my son (some climbing, but no scratching). It was such a fun activity to do together... One tip... you need really bright sunlight to bring out the details of the water (something we didn't get on vacation). Also, a simple underwater disposable camera can be bought at any pharmacy for about $15.

Split Second Thought of Summer

2010-02-25T14:22:00.006-05:00

My split second thought of summer (or just warmth) diminished quickly as I glanced down at my calendar - still February - and glanced out the window at the foot of snow on the ground. Thank goodness for summer photos.

In the past year, I've been experimenting with different textures and paint on top of my photos - digitally and by hand. This is one that I had fun with. As with most of my photos, this one titled Sometimes... can be found in my Etsy shop.

Vacation!

2010-02-08T23:44:00.005-05:00

Naples, Florida. Rain, clouds, rain, clouds. I dreamed of sunscreen and soaking up the sun on the beach. Doesn't matter, we all had a great time. Nothing is better for a young boy than finding dead fish on the beach in his raincoat and pajamas!!

Puppy Love!

2010-01-12T21:15:00.004-05:00

I love this photo of my dogs. I'm not sure how two large dogs got into this position on one small couch, but I am very happy that I captured it on film. These two never spent one moment apart... what a perfect image for Valentine's Day (at least in my mind). This Valentine's Day card can be found at my Etsy shop in the Cards and Postcards section.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T20:16:00.005-05:00

I thought I'd kick off the creative new year with a collage of my son's favorite things (all art and photography by him!). In his words "I like Michigan State and Sponge Bob, and my two dogs... Leo and Posey". Happy New Year to all!

December Walks

2009-12-22T22:08:00.005-05:00

It's very cold, the sidewalks are icy, and I don't want to go for a walk. So these moments are nice... when Posey doesn't follow me around the house begging for a walk. Have a long, nice nap Posey!

2010 Dog Calendar

2009-12-09T14:16:00.005-05:00

I couldn't resist. I have 12 dog images and 2010 is around the corner. I've compiled these 12 images to create a Doggy Desk Calendar. These include 12 unbound 4.25" x 5.5" pages with an easel included. It is $20 and can be purchased at donnageissler.com or my etsy site.

Autumn

2009-10-28T10:51:00.005-04:00

When I arrived here there were a gazillion ducks and geese swimming and having a wonderful time in this pond. With my tripod and camera in hand, I was able to disrupt their peaceful morning and send them off in a frenzy. I really wanted them in this shot. But, I suppose, the colors make up for it.

2010 Calendar

2009-10-19T19:19:00.005-04:00

My 2010 Calendar is complete. It can be purchased on my site here. It includes 12 4.25"x5.50" unbound pages that can be used to display on your desk, hang on your refrigerator, or give as a gift.... however you choose to use them.

True Or False?

2009-10-11T21:31:00.004-04:00

True or False?

Children with missing teeth are unable to eat freshly picked apples. The answer is False. Children with missing teeth can eat up to Five freshly picked apples until exhaustion inevitably sets in. And have enough energy to compliment mom on the pie!

Seashell Prints

2009-09-21T12:38:00.006-04:00

For a while, I went through a real seashell kick!!! My sister recently reminded me that I don't have any of those prints on my website. So I'm going to do my best to get them up soon. These are a couple of the first seashell prints that started my little obsession.

Back to School

2009-09-08T21:18:00.006-04:00

Back to school today for our son. Posey seems to enjoy the peace and solitude that comes with school days. Of course she'll miss the toy cars being driven over her, being dressed up in power ranger capes, and being handcuffed to the dining room table legs (ok...only happened once... I think). But today is her day to spread out and relax in his favorite play area. Very, very soon she will miss him!!

We Grew Tomatoes

2009-08-04T21:20:00.006-04:00

This is a proud moment for our family. This is our first year to have a vegetable garden. It's only a few pots of vegetables on the backyard deck (the only spot that gets plenty of sunshine). We have green peppers, carrots that are not growing properly and tomatoes (large and small). I tried one today and it was bitter. I think I just need to pull it off the plant and let it ripen more inside. I hope. Our dog Posey managed to drop her ball to show some interest. Thanks Posey!

Dunes in Michigan

2009-07-23T10:53:00.005-04:00

The Dunes on Lake Michigan are incredible. This particular one was at Warren State Park in Sawyer, Michigan. It was a mountain of sand and walking up it felt like it was a mountain of sand. I've circled people at the top of the dune, just to give you an idea on how huge this is. My legs are still a bit sore, but I climbed it - against my better judgement. My 6-year old son beat me to the top, by far - yikes!

Lake Huron

2009-07-11T12:22:00.000-04:00

Every summer, Lake Huron provides lovely times for everyone. Our favorite things: no sharks or jellyfish!!

Hot Weather in June, Finally!

2009-06-21T19:42:00.001-04:00

Heat in June, finally! We celebrated with lots of swimming and junkfood. It was a glorious weekend.

Happy Birthday to Leo

2009-06-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Leo. He turned 13 last month. We had a wonderful little party for him in which he barked the whole time as hubby, my son and I sang for him. This is his favorite place to be ... and his favorite pillow. It's difficult to get a shot of him when he's up and around. Anytime I pull the camera out, he runs to me and rubs his head against my leg. Come to think of it, he was that way when he was younger - camera shy, I suppose. Have a nice nap!!

Lily of the Valley

2009-05-21T13:57:00.000-04:00

Years ago, we had hostas, azalea bushes, rose bushes and plenty of lily of the valley in our backyard. Because of our two dogs we have very little lilly of the valley left. So before they could stampede the area further, I plucked a few to capture a few shots. Here they are with a slight digital twist... In one of the images, I don't know which is more beautiful - the flower or the pottery. (I purchased this vase for myself for mother's day at a local art show from Miles Stearn of Berkely, MI - wish he had a website!)

Spring is here...right?

2009-04-10T22:28:00.000-04:00

Spring is here, but I don't really see it yet.... in Michigan. Both spring and summer are on my mind. I suppose this is what inspired the colors of my new images. I love including painting strokes on my photographs. Though my darkroom is digital, this process allows me to actually pull out my brushes and paint and have fun.

Surviving the winter

2009-03-13T14:28:00.000-04:00

Finally, spring is around the corner. I'm looking forward to photographing new fresh spring subjects. However, in Michigan, we really have another month until anything grows. Spring is sort of bittersweet as my oldest dog, Leo, will be 13 years old. Still very spirited, but it's hard to see him age so rapidly. He's one of the stars in my dog art.