‘Peaceful Mountain River - The Oil and Oval Edition!’
Oils on Canvas - 16″ x 20″

Much as I’d love to have written about my first, it’s destruction was mentioned in the last post! After the loss of my first painting immediately after painting it and before I had a picture (I was going to take one when it was in it’s drying location), I wasn’t going to worry about painting anymore tonight. However, lying on the couch watching TV, it began to nag at me that I had promised myself that I’d have an oil painting to show at the end of the weekend and I still didn’t have one! So I got set up again and was going to repaint the original but decided I didn’t want to do that again since I had spent plenty of time earlier doing it. Instead, I decided to revisit my current favorite view: the peaceful mountain river. I thought it would be a good exercise to see how well I could do in oils what I had already done in acrylics. I am very pleased with the results.

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Today was supposed to feature a review of another Etsy seller. Unfortunately, while in the midst of transferring an oil painting today from my easel to the appropriate drying spot on the wall, I tripped over my cat, the painting fell out of my hands and you can guess what happened next. I have spent my day cleaning up the results and just have not had a chance to type of the review yet. As such, I’m going to skip the review for today and will post it instead on Tuesday, the next one after that on Thursday and then will be caught up next weekend!

As for the painting, it’s toast, which is really sad as it was my first oil painting but I’m going to work on another this week! I don’t give up that easily. Right now, though, I’m going to relax and try not to think about how much I spent cleaning my cream-colored carpet today. Thank goodness I have throw rugs everywhere!

The ‘Daily Artisan Spotlight’ is a regular feature on Mindless Pursuits intended to provide insight and exposure to the tons of talented artisans working today. Please comment and give them some encouragement and check out their work! If you would like to be considered for the Spotlight, click on the ‘Free Press’ link above!

What is your shop?
Vandiva Fashion Jewelry (http://www.vandiva.etsy.com)

What is your art/craft?
Handcrafted gemstone & fashion jewelry.

Describe your style in 2 words:
Contemporary, classic

What is your favorite piece and why?
This is a tough question, as we love each and every piece we design. But since I have to chose, my favorite piece is our Amethyst and Larvikite Asymmetrical Necklace (seen above). It was handcrafted with a lot of love. Each gemstone was handwrapped with 24 kt gold-filled wire, it incorporates 24 kt gold-filled chain links and gold Vermeill daisy spacers. The Amethyst is faceted, and reflects light. Larvikite has blue inclusions that flash when the light hits it just right. And I just love necklaces with a asymmetrical design, because they’re always interesting, never boring.

What is the most memorable piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Pursue your dreams, and never give up, no matter what obstacles you face.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give?
Don’t listen to nay-sayers.