Illustration Friday--Boundaries

"Boundaries," 2011. 9 x 9" Mixed media on paper. By Lea Keohane, All Rights Reserved.

Obsession

byLea Keohane, 2011. 8" x 8" pencil & watercolor on paper. All Rights Reserved

I've always wanted to participate in Illustration Fridays, but never got around to it. So this is my 1st. The topic this week was "obsession."

Besides the darkness that I see as inherent in the word obsession, I have been wanting to begin exploring some of my darker feelings in my work--at least privately, in my sketchbook--lately. Most of my work is quiet and introspective in a meditative way. It is meant to be thoughtful, uplifting. Looking for the beauty within myself so that I may finally see the beauty without. Hopefully inspiring others to do the same.

But this search for inner beauty would not be necessary if I had not spent so many years of my life suffering from a lack of self confidence, an inability to see my own worth. An acute pain that made me at many times wish I could simply vanish into the shadows so that no one could look at me.

I don't feel that way anymore. Not that I am magically some mountain of self-confidence, but I don't want to disappear. Most of the time I even feel pretty good about myself. I could write volumes on the journey that I've taken to get here, but that is for a later time. For now, "Obsession," a girl in the dark.

Last sale of the year!

It's one week before Christmas and my shopping is about done, but how about yours? I will be at Presents for Procrastinators today from 11-5 at the Art Department, 1315 SE 9th. I've got original paintings from $28, prints, magnets, card sets & some limited edition, hand-drawn ornaments & pendants! See you there!

First Thursday Fun!

So....the show was great last night! Here's a great big giant thank you to everyone that made it, not to mention the musicians, volunteers, and Melissa Sillitoe herself for hosting! Thank you! Here are a few photos from the evening:

This is the initial view of the gallery wall--the 1st 6 paintings are my new teeny-tiny 5" ones!


Peeps!

Heather & Elijah checking it out.

Luke Lefler & Melissa Sillitoe!

Singer/songwriter Laura Chase


People checking out the hip-hop stylings of Incre:mentals. The awesome painting on the middle post of the room was done by the spectacular Chris Haberman.

No art-show night is complete without John and Amy! Check out John's stunning photography this month at Urban Wine Works (407 NW 16th Ave, Portland, OR)!

First Thursday @ the Show & Tell Gallery!

"Indulgence," by Lea Keohane 2009. Acrylic on Canvas.

First Thursday: February 5, 2009
"Introspection"
New Paintings by Lea Keohane
Show & Tell Gallery
Everett Station Lofts, 625 NW Everett #231
6-9 pm

With music by Inkre:mentals from 7-9 pm

Gift Certificates!

I have been meaning to do this for a long time, but I kept forgetting. Then I saw this Storque article and remembered. Yay!

Just in time for those very last-minute gifts (you KNOW you're not done shopping yet!), a LeaKArts gift certificate. The one I have listed is for $20, but I am happy to make you your very own for any amount you wish.

LeaKArts Ladies--a Coloring Book!

I am so incredibly thrilled to introduce my newest creation--LeaK Arts Ladies, A Coloring Book for All Ages!

This loose-leaf coloring book comes in a clear protective sleeve. I decided to leave it un-bound so that when you finish coloring a page, you can display it without having to rip the pages. How fun is that? In addition, each page has a border that you can embellish to your heart's content. Personally, I LOVE coloring, which is why I chose and created images that are suitable for kids but fun for grownups too :)

This project has been in the work for a couple of months now. For the first 5 pages, I created 5 brand new, original drawings just for this coloring book. And with the combination of very low-tech (tracing paper and a sharpie) and high-tech (a scanner, Photoshop, and a very knowledgeable friend, not to mention my work-horse of a printer), I transformed 5 of my original drawings and paintings into coloring pages as well. My love has gone into each and every page and I hope it shows!

I also have brand new sticker packs which I will be listing later today, so keep your eyes peeled!

Annual Autumn Post

"Swing" 2008 by Lea Keohane. All Rights Reserved.

Every Fall I seem to find myself writing about my absolute love for this season. This year, however, I think this drawing says it all. Sold yesterday to a lovely friend, but I will certainly be offering prints in the near future. Enjoy!

Oh! Before I go, I must send you over to Indie Parade, where one of my little pendants is being featured today.

Home! Come see me on First Thursday!

Ah, home again and settling back into my life. I was in Denver for 12 days--almost half of July! It was fun, but I am so glad to be back. Now it's time to get ready for both of my shows this week!

Today I am hanging all of my new drawings & paintings at the Show & Tell Gallery downtown. If you are in Portland, be sure to stop by and see me on First Thursday! Check the flier above for info. PLUS there will be poetry & music! For those of you on a budget, much of my work is affordably priced from $20-$60, and I am always willing to take payments for the larger pieces. Even if you are not in the market for artwork, I would still love to see your smiling faces :) This is my first solo show in quite some time, so I am very exited!

Then, on Saturday, is the final Summer Arts & Craft fair in the Portland State University park blocks just North of the Farmer's Market from 8-6. All of my art will still be at the gallery, but I will have giclee prints of my work, plus all of my pocket mirrors, magnets, pendants and a lot of cool craft supplies. Not to mention the other 40 or so vendors with awesome handmade goodies!