Swan Studios Mural and Faux Finish Adventures: September 2017

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Electrified Sunbeam

We are to let our light shine and shine brightly! Ironically, I live in the sunshine state. But even in glorious sun flooded SW Florida things aren’t always bright. A recent storm came roaring in and took out not only the sun but all the electricity that turns on the lights when the sun goes down. That same electricity lets us enjoy the sun-bathed outdoors from the comfort of our well air- conditioned homes. However, when the electricity goes out so do the lights and that most marvelous invention; air-conditioning. Even my solar panels couldn’t kick on after Hurricane Irma blasted through because she decided to take out the main circuit boards during her whirlwind tour of Florida. By day 3 of intense heat, high humidity, and lack of sleep that accompanies the novelty had worn off. I try always to be a bright spot in my darling husband’s life. I’m his sunbeam. We discovered that my sunbeam apparently runs on electricity. Happy to say dear friends rescued us as their electricity came on first and on day 5 ours delightfully came back on. I’m back to my sunny self, his little sunbeam- his electrified sunbeam.

Only days before the storm came through I had had a request to paint a saying on a lanai lounge area. The client’s husband calls his wife his sunshine. Out at dinner one night they saw a sign that said” You are my sunshine”. They had been searching for something to adorn the walls of the lanai lounge and this was the perfect solution. So, a sunbeam painted for sunshine – see what I did there? (He also calls her buttercup. But, ” You are my Buttercup” doesn’t have the right ring to it )

For all you Sunbeams and Sunshines out there, here are a few more ways I've painted our favorite luminous star:

Whether you want to say it or see it, contact me at Swan Studios Inc and I'll help you Light Up Your World ! " Shine-Shine-Shine " http://www.swanstudio.net/

or contact me at :

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+SwanStudiosIncCapeCoral

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/swanstudiosinc/

You can also follow Swan Studios Inc on :

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and yes, now on :

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#custommural #outdoormural #muralpainting

Sunday, September 17, 2017

After the Storm

Hurricane Irma has left a path of destruction throughout the south. Florida and the Caribbean have taken a major hit. One week later here in Cape Coral (SW side of Florida), there are still places without power. The same goes throughout the state. My own parents still don’t have power in central Florida. Nor does my uncle In Ft Lauderdale (the East coast side). Below us… I can’t write this without crying. It’s a nightmare. Marco Island, the Keys- destroyed. Citizens are being allowed back in under the condition they can bring their own food and water for an undetermined amount of time. The medical facilities there aren’t even fully operational. The Lower Keys and into the Caribbean will take years to recover- if they even do. Barbuda- empty-totally destroyed. All the people living there had to evacuate and now they have nothing to return to. The out pour of assistance has been amazing. Neighbors helping neighbors. My husband and I were taken in by friends for several days. That was truly a saving grace to our sanity. Linemen from every state it seems have been arriving to help. Texas linemen are responsible for getting my street up and running. Local churches and clubs are coordinating with churches and clubs to help in the daily distribution of food and water. This will be a long coordination process since many just within an arm’s reach are expected to be without basic needs for months ahead. And that’s just for the human side of life.

Animals are in great need of assistance to. Several friends are still trying to locate the pets. A local no kill shelter that houses high energy abandoned and abused Belgian Malinois and shepherd breeds. They have rescued hundreds. But their main kennel had the roof peeled back and they are in sincere need of help in relocating and all the other vet and food needs that go along with taking care of these wonderful creatures. To contribute go to the Bo Nose Facebook page and click "Donate". https://www.facebook.com/TeamBoNose/?fref=ts

WolfHounds Legacy is a non- profit organization that rescues 2 lives at a time. They rescue dogs from kill shelters that can be trained & certified to become assistance animals for Veterans with PTSD. The current dogs in training had to be relocated during the hurricane and help is much needed to maintain their housing and food needs. To assist them, please go to their website http://www.wolfhoundslegacy.com
You can also follow them on Facebook.

There has been so much devastation that it seems no end is in sight. But the human spirit is strong. And there is nowhere to go but up from here. So stick by stick, brick by brick, neighbor with neighbor, with both friends and strangers we will rebuild.

You can also assist by giving or volunteering through the Red Cross:

https://www.redcross.org/donate/hurricane-irma-donations?scode=RSG00000E017&utm_campaign=irma&gclid=CjwKCAjwuvjNBRBPEiwApYq0zuhWuQwcX-YZrpYg-CrKP9dc3Ll4rVfkxhWWbmABNbjylQRyPyh5IBoCBQwQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CMiusf2irNYCFQ4bhwod7UYGGQ

#hurricaneirma #irma #afterthestorm

Sunday, September 3, 2017

Celebrating Labor Day with Rosie the Riveter – We Can Do It!

Happy Labor Day Weekend!!! In the 1800’s the Labor Movement began to pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers. In 1894 this tribute became a Federal Holiday observed every first Monday in September.

So, here’s to you America!!! Thank you for all you do every day. Some of you work with the public directly. Some of you work behind the scenes to make our lives easier and better. Whatever your occupation- today is YOUR DAY! CELEBRATE!!!

Labor Day is the perfect time to show case one of my latest pieces:

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie first appeared in 1943 to inspire the women munitions workers who had joined the labor force and war effort. She represented all the women. Rosie has graced the magazine cover for the Smithsonian in 1994, became the stamp art in 1999, joined the campaign trails in 2008, and 2010 was recommissioned by Australia to help celebrate their first female Prime Minister.

Now Rosie is here to help us celebrate and highlight the women in today’s labor force. She is on stretched canvas measuring 36x36. She sparkles in GLITTER with a clear protective coating.