Maggie's World

Fuzzies!

2012-01-26T15:17:00.001-08:00

Snow Bear

Hippity Hop

Bits of Brightness, or Spring Dreams

2012-01-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

Some watercolors I whipped up over the last few days.


"The Good Husband"


"Runny Babbit"


"Blackbird, Fly"

Sea Birds

2012-01-18T08:45:00.000-08:00

These lovely little watercolors (along with the sea birds featured here) will available at Studio Gallery for the month of February. All matted and framed with a driftwood type frame, I've got to say, I'm super proud.

Tweets

2011-12-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

I dropped into a pet store a few weeks ago filled to the brim with these adorable little finches.... so I got on a bit of a finch kick. And then someone requested a cardinal... and a blue jay. The originals are currently at Collector as well.

Oh, the Sweetness

2011-12-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

These simple little paintings were whipped out before the holidays on a bit of a spree. The originals can be found at Collector (along with a host of other wonderful pieces by many talented artists).

Oh hello, I've missed you!

2011-12-19T11:17:00.000-08:00

Wow, I have been lax in updating my blog. I've been busy painting, finally getting my robot book put together (available for purchase here), and have been at so many craft shows, it's all been a blur. But, things are settling down a bit, so here I am again.

I started on some new bird paintings, a little different than my others.

I've also decided to get some real painting done, starting with a gigantic nude (3'x4') I recently did. A friend and I are collaborating on a group show inspired by the body. Stay tuned for that.

New Robots Making the Scene

2011-10-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Sprinkle is the candystriper of the bunch, bringing smiles to those in need.

Bunsen, part bunsen burner, part microscope, majority mad-scientist, is busy cooking up something brilliant.

Bertrand is the muscle of the group, able to lift 20 times his body weight! Need something moved, give him a call!Take them home!

More Paintings from My Trip

2011-09-29T19:41:00.000-07:00

I've been busy in the studio with my brushes and my paints... Here's a bit of what I've been churning out.

Costa Rica

2011-09-04T13:39:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back from a month long trip from Costa Rica and I've been painting up a storm. I've been adding prints to my shop. Here are a few examples :)

Something kind of beautiful

2011-09-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I posted! I just got back from an amazing trip to Costa Rica, where I loaded up on inspiration for a bunch of new paintings... more to come on those later. While I was away, I received this letter and it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. I asked the writer if I could share, and she gave me the a-ok, so without further ado, here's something lovely to start the day:

Dear Maggie,

A few months ago, you were on campus at Mills. I bought one of your prints from the breast collection (Tip of the Iceberg? something to that effect). I sent it to this man I had been talking to in New York (we met online, long story). I told him about your art & how much I loved the "This is Love" series.

He is now my boyfriend & yesterday in the mail I received the entire set as a gift from him. It is so very special to me for so many reasons. I just wanted you to know that your art has now become a beautiful and meaningful link in our very long-distance relationship. He proudly displays the print I bought him in his home in Brooklyn and I can't wait to frame & hang mine as well.

I hope this note finds you well. You were very nice when we met & it was important to me to tell you how your art has touched our lives. Also, I remember you had more of the ones similar to the one I purchased, but I haven't been able to find online - do you have them listed somewhere? Someday I would like to add to his wall.

Thank you again,
Megan

I love getting letters like this. It's great to know that my art is actually touching people's lives and not just accenting their couch :).

Oh, and if you're curious to know more about the "This is Love" series, it's a collection of painting of women holding the molecular structures of the hormones bouncing around in your brain while you're busy swooning for that someone new (or old :)). You can see the prints here.

I hope all is well in your world!

Indie Mart, this Sunday

2011-07-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

Howdy! If you're in the Bay Area this coming Sunday, July 24, you should check out the Indie Mart. With tons of DIY craftiness, art, and food, as well as a host of live music, it promises to be an awesome event. I'll be there vending - it's my last event before heading down to Costa Rica for a month.

Time	Sunday, July 24 · 12:00pm - 7:00pm

Location	Thee Parkside All down Wisconsin Street between 16th & 17th San Francisco, CA

Hope to see you!

$5 Art? Yes, please!

2011-07-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!

I posted a couple weeks ago about an amazing opportunity I have to take my paints and brushes to Costa Rica to paint up a storm. I'm down to 9 days to fund my painting trip, and I need your help. If you've already contributed, thank you so much. I promise you a wonderful piece of art in return! If you would be so kind as to pass my message along to others who might be interested, I would be deeply appreciative!

If you've been waiting, here's your chance! If you back my project with just $5, I'll send you a print of one of my paintings of the creatures I meet on my trip. Original paintings are available for pledges of $100 or more. I'll also be sending out books of the art created during my trip. To find out more and make a pledge, click here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maggiehurley/costa-rica-birds-and-monkeys-and-maggie-oh-my

Thank you in advance for your time and support - it really means a lot!

Tweetle Deetle Dee

2011-06-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

New little fluttering folk...

I'm An Extraordinary Machine

I'll Be Your Teddybear

Onyx

2011-06-27T22:28:00.000-07:00

This little pup was a commission I just wrapped up.
What a cutie :).

Costa Rica or Bust!

2011-06-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, I kind of feel like I'm about to burst! As you probably have noticed, nature plays an important role in my art; whether I'm painting a bird, or a flower, or a robot hidden amongst dandelions, the world of flora and fauna is where I find my inspiration. I have a really wonderful opportunity to spend some time amongst the birds and beasts of Costa Rica this August. A friend has graciously provided me with a really beautiful and inspiring place to call home for the duration of my visit, but as you can imagine, being a full time artist doesn't leave much in the budget for travel.

So to help fund my trip, I put together a kickstarter fundraiser page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/maggiehurley/costa-rica-birds-and-monkeys-and-maggie-oh-my. Basically, I'm offering art that I create while on my trip in exchange for your help in covering some costs associated with the trip. If you even have just $5 to spare, I'll send you a print of one of my paintings from the trip. I'll also be offering the original paintings and a book that I'll make when they're all finished. Please take a moment to check out my above linked kickstarter page to get all the gritty details about where I'll be headed, and to see the goofy video I made to tell you more!

If you know of someone else, or many someone elses that might be interested in participating in such an endeavor, please feel free to pass this info along.

Thank you in advance for your time and support - it really means a lot!

Tweet tweet

2011-06-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

Vending vending vending

2011-06-04T23:50:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a good amount of time at various craft shows. Last night I was at what is becoming a regular occurrence at the 25th Street Collective in Oakland.

Some pictures of my setup:

This coming weekend (June 11& 12), I'll be at the Live Oak Park Fair. Come by! Say hi!

New Birds and a New Bot!

2011-05-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted anything... Likely because I've been hard at work, painting up a storm. Some of the results!

A new Robot! Meet Spin, the resident DJ.

He's available to take home here.

I've also been on a bit of a little bird frenzy. A few of my latest friends:

"My Focus is Laser-like"

"Don't Look Now"

"You'll Be Sorry When I'm Gone"

"Should Have Known Better"

Want to have one or two for that barren shelf or empty wall? Just click here!

Boobs!

2011-04-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new project... Portraits of breasts. I was surprised at the amount of attention the nipple in my sea lady with the seahorses got and figured, hey, why not celebrate these oh-so-distracting, wonderfully curvy bits? Just the other night, this helped validate my hypothesis (the whole thing is entertaining, but skip to about 4:18 and then watch Jon's reaction (which, while planned, really isn't that far off, right?))

The Daily Show - Libya Majora
Tags: Daily Show Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,The Daily Show on Facebook

So, these are the first two paintings I've whipped out in the last couple days. Yes, it's partially a shameless way to create art that will likely sell, but I really am enjoying the work.

Aw, cutie

2011-04-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this portrait. I really love it... He's so sweet.

Meet the Inspector

2011-03-26T12:32:00.000-07:00

I've got a bunch of new robots about to be finished. Here's my latest.

Available in my Etsy shop!

Little Birds - Prints in my Etsy Shop

2011-03-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of listing many of my little bird paintings as prints in my Etsy shop

A sampling:

Stay tuned for more!

Seahorses!

2011-02-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

From the Sea

2011-02-16T10:56:00.001-08:00

In progress

2011-02-11T14:32:00.001-08:00

in the works... stay tuned!

Wistfully So

2011-02-08T00:37:00.001-08:00

Wistfully So
10" x 10"
Acrylic on Panel
2011

Daydreamer

2011-01-30T12:11:00.000-08:00

Daydreamer
2011
Acrylic on Panel
10" x 10"

A slight continuation from the ladies I painted last year, I'm turning my focus toward trying to capture the wistfulness in daydreamers... the hope and quiet happiness that springs eternal in people of all ages.

Your Timing is Crap

2011-01-26T18:57:00.000-08:00

Your Timing is Crap
2011
Acrylic on Wood Panel
4" x 4"

Available here.

A Gaggle of... Well, Not Geese

2011-01-25T11:24:00.000-08:00

A bunch of little birds have flown into my Etsy shop. Original paintings for $50 each. Take one home for your sweetie for Valentine's Day :).

A Little to the Right

2011-01-22T12:50:00.000-08:00

A Little to the Right
2011
Acrylic on Wood Panel
4" x 4"

Available here.

Who Gives a Hoot

2011-01-22T12:48:00.001-08:00

Who Gives a Hoot
2011
Acrylic on Wood Panel
4" x 4"

Available here.

Hush, I'm Busy

2011-01-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

Hush, I'm Busy
2011
Acrylic on Wood Panel
4" x 4"

Available: http://www.etsy.com/listing/66490540/original-painting-mockingbird

Words of Wisdom

2011-01-18T23:36:00.000-08:00

The interesting thing about painting is the constant question nagging at you: is it done? It's so easy to push too far.

There's an artist I admire, Karin Jurick, who paints loosely and freely. She recently said, "I think the more you paint, the more you build confidence with the decisions you make. You learn to stop when you like what you've done - and not overwork the piece. That's why small studies are essential. They're more liberating, experimental, non-binding."

These are words I hope to remember, and words I hope to use to motivate myself to pick up my brushes more, to paint more confidently, and to know when done is done.

Blink and You'll Miss Her

2011-01-12T09:40:00.000-08:00

Description: 2011 Oil on Panel 16" x 16" I decided to try my hand at a self portrait. In my other work, I've always done my best to make my subjects glow, as though their inner light could blind you if you got a really good look at it. Applying this same filter to myself was an interesting experiment. I wanted to approach this year with a strong focus on myself as an artist, as well as myself as a stronger individual. Armed with my brushes, I feel safe to say with paint which I struggle to say with words. That we are all, myself included, fantastically beautiful creatures that should never be taken for granted. Blink, and you'll miss us.

A Bunny, A Girl, and A Pup

2011-01-11T11:59:00.000-08:00

My last plush for awhile... cuddly bunny!

My initial attempt at a self-portrait. I look soooo serious. I'm finding the process strange - it's hard to resist the urge to ultra-pretty myself up, but I feel like I do my best to make sure my other subjects "glow", so why shouldn't I apply the same principle to myself? At any rate, this photo was taken with my camera phone just to capture part of the process. I have a deadline for tomorrow, so more to come.

I've been busy painting this pup... he's so adorable, I might just have to steal him.

Random Bits

2011-01-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

So, I read this blog post on the top things to say to offend an artist and found it both hilarious and accurate. I think the whole bathroom one gets me the most riled up, mostly because sticking a painting in a room that gets the most humidity is just a surefire way to destroy it.

On another note, I've been bopping around the studio on something of a Sia kick. I started watching her videos on youtube - they're fantastic. Playful, weird, unpretentious... if you're looking for a way to kill some time, check them out.

The Ladies, Now Available

2011-01-04T21:40:00.000-08:00

I've listed my portraits in my Etsy shop. Have a looksy!

Some closeups:

A Sculpture

2011-01-03T11:28:00.000-08:00

I took a sculpture class from Crystal Morey last summer and had a really wonderful time playing with clay. The class had an emphasis on self portraiture... I think mine is close. It was more reflective of how I was feeling after a particularly tumultuous day.

At any rate, here you have it:

Plush Overdose

2010-12-21T19:00:00.000-08:00

Alrighty, with the Holidays quickly coming to an end, I'm going to take a break from making my little plush critters and re-focus on painting. There are several little guys still in my shop. Here's a peek at a few of their little faces.

See it in person!

2010-12-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

Happy to announce that my paintings will be adorning the walls of the Nabolom Bakery Collective now through January 3rd. Drop by and check em out while picking up some scrumptious baked goods.

Nabolom Bakery
2708 Russell St
Berkeley, CA 94705
(510) 845-2253

A Random Painting

2010-11-30T00:35:00.000-08:00

I really felt like painting today... I haven't had much time for it lately, but I managed to squeak this out tonight.

More Owls

2010-11-28T12:24:00.001-08:00

Catch em while you can in my Etsy shop!

Now in RooTs Collaborative!

2010-11-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to announce that my work is now available in an adorable collaborative shop in Mill Valley. Loaded up with handmade goods, this place celebrates individual artists/artisans and the local, one of a kind market. If you're in the Bay Area, drop by and check it out. It's across from a wonderful bookstore/cafe with delicious croissants.

RooTs Collaborative
84 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley 94941
Mon - Sat: 11 - close & Sunday: noon - 5 ish
Tel: 415.388.RooT(s)

Plush Attack!

2010-11-15T10:34:00.001-08:00

This little bunny was a custom request. I love the floppy ears!

Another custom order, I think I love the way this one turned out enough to make some more!

This little monster looks perpetually guilty! I wonder what he's up to now. Take him home!

The latest addition to my little plush world is this quizzical kitty-squirrel. A bit confused identity-wise, it's looking for someone to snuggle. Take it home!

To see more of my available plush animals, visit my shop.

New Wildlife

2010-10-21T10:48:00.001-07:00

Looking for a unique gift? These are all one of a kind. Each is handmade by me from recycled clothing, filled to the brim with sustainable bamboo fiberfill. Ready to ship! More options in my shop!

Herbert In Love

2010-10-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

A new Herbert print, available here!

The Ladies, Finished

2010-10-03T14:46:00.001-07:00

Lily paintings, on sale

2010-10-01T10:23:00.001-07:00

I just marked these guys down to $350 each.
Oil on wood
12" x 36"
http://maggiehurley.etsy.com

Progress in progress

2010-09-28T16:52:00.001-07:00

New Portrait in Progress

2010-09-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Last night I whipped out my oil paints that had been busy collecting dust and started this portrait of a friend. She reminds me a bit of that woman from the National Geographic cover.

It's a little different than a lot of what I've done, but I think this is more a direction that I'd like to pursue - a bit more dramatic/rich. I'm not quite sure how to explain it. I figure it's about 65% done at this point (I'm guessing I'll be working on it most of today and then have to walk away before I mess it up too much). One thing I've learned though, is that I love love love painting on wood. More to come!

Bendy Ears!

2010-09-18T19:46:00.001-07:00

This little guy flew off to Canada to keep a little guy company. I plan on making more with similarly bendable ears - stay tuned!

More on Love

2010-09-08T01:12:00.001-07:00

Phenethylamine
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55762665/phenethylamine-a-print

Serotonin
http://www.etsy.com/listing/55761771/serotonin-a-print?ref=v1_other_2

Vasopressin
Print available soon

This is Love

2010-08-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

A new series I'm embarking on.
Prints available http://hushmouse.etsy.com

The Latest from My Garden Walks

2010-07-14T11:35:00.000-07:00

All prints on sale here! Buy 1, get 1 free; buy 2, get 2, buy 3, get 3.

More photos

2010-07-06T19:02:00.000-07:00

From around my neighborhood. Available here.

Owls Galore

2010-06-21T20:20:00.000-07:00

All available on Etsy!

Back at the Owl Making Game

2010-06-17T00:24:00.000-07:00

After a bit of a hiatus in my owl-sewing project, I'm back with some new little cuties. All are available here.

Photo Madness

2010-06-13T23:59:00.000-07:00

I've been going a bit nuts with photo-taking on my phone lately and decided to create a new Etsy shop where one might procure aforementioned photos if one were so inclined. Samples...

Barbara the Chicken

2010-05-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

I also wrapped up this chicken painting. I've got plans to do more. Plans, plans, plans...

Lilies

2010-05-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

I finished the three lily paintings I was working on. I know I've posted pics of them before, but I thought I'd line them all up in a row. All are available for purchase on my Etsy shop.

April - done!

2010-04-22T13:48:00.001-07:00

Barbara

2010-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm working on 3 different series right now... this is the first of my chicken paintings (disclaimer - in progress and taken with my camera phone)

Another lily - done

2010-04-12T15:54:00.001-07:00

April - in progress

2010-03-31T11:17:00.001-07:00

Cala lily - first one done

2010-03-30T15:24:00.000-07:00

Done with the first one... the other (from a couple posts below) should be done tomorrow. These lilies are popping up all over Berkeley right now. I'm thinking of painting a few more...

Something fun

2010-03-11T16:23:00.001-08:00

I think I have a fondness for cute little rodents...
See also: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41824080

More flowers

2010-03-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

I'm working on two more flower paintings. I think this will be a style I explore a bit more this year.
Here are a couple in-progress photos.

Charlotte - all done!

2010-02-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

I'm really pleased with how this turned out :).

Art Auction This Friday, 2.26.10

2010-02-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

If you happen to be in the Bay Area this Friday, come by the Space Gallery after 7pm. I'll be auctioning off a ton of my art to help pay for my return to school.

Charlotte, coming along

2010-02-19T12:35:00.000-08:00

now to focus on the background...

Charlotte, phase 1

2010-02-04T19:03:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a portrait that I'm excited about. It's going to be a trick to really get her expression right, but if I pull it off, I think it will really be great. She's got this impish little smile, and the light just glows.

Here's phase 1.

I now pronounce myself done!

2010-01-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

So I just finished the largest painting I've ever done (as a fine art piece... I've done big murals before). I'm pretty happy with the finished piece. Of course, I think photos never really do a painting justice (this could just be the fact that I'm not such a great photographer). The bottom is kind of in shadow... Measuring 5' tall and 6' across, it's like a big sunny wall in my studio. I think it's helped combat the depressing effects of the grey weather. I think I'll have to keep this in mind when I move to Boston.

On a brighter note

2010-01-15T12:05:00.001-08:00

I decided to use the paint I mixed up for my gigantic paintings on a couple other paintings. It's strange to go from painting black and white, tightly painted flowers to loose, watery, brightly colored acrylic in an evening. I think it keeps me balanced though!

Dahlia - All Done!

2010-01-15T11:59:00.001-08:00

Once it is fully dry, I'll apply a coat of varnish that will "wake up" a lot of the different colors in the blacker parts (they tend to go flat when they dry). But other than that, I'm all done!

Dahlia - Coming Along

2010-01-12T15:17:00.001-08:00

Just waiting for the paint to dry so I can put in the final highlights.

Another Dahlia, in progress

2010-01-11T16:34:00.000-08:00

In progress. I hope to have this done tonight!

Giant Painting, Day 1

2010-01-10T22:28:00.000-08:00

I started the largest painting I've ever worked on today. It is 5' tall (I'm barely 5'4") and 6' wide. Maneuvering it is an ordeal! I'm pleased with how it is coming out so far. Here's a picture I took tonight. Basically, it's many layers of runny acrylic paint. I'm trying to keep the textures interesting, let gravity do it's thing while still maintaining some degree of control.

Cleaning out the closets

2010-01-09T14:06:00.000-08:00

So, as I plan on moving across the country to (finally) finish my education, I've been going through years worth of finished and unfinished art buried deep in my closet. I found these and hope that someone will rescue them. Both are available in my Etsy shop.

Little Birds

2010-01-06T17:15:00.001-08:00

Available at my Etsy Shop!

~ Flowers ~

2009-12-20T18:13:00.001-08:00

Available on my other Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/maggiehurley

The Accidental Adventures of Herbert the Owl

2009-12-19T10:45:00.000-08:00

After much ado, I finally put my book of Herbert's adventures up on lulu.com, which is a handy print on demand for unpublished people like myself.

I'm very pleased with the print copy (the web-preview is degraded substantially). Pick up a copy today!

My Flock is Growing

2009-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to take one of these little guys home, swing by my Etsy shop.

Super Tomato and Pretty in Pink

2009-12-03T11:20:00.001-08:00

Available! Click here to take them home!

Thanks to the creative JAR!

2009-12-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

I got featured on a great blog today. Check it out!

Bunches of Owls Looking for Good Homes

2009-12-01T11:22:00.000-08:00

Take one home today! Visit my Etsy Shop.

Sage and Silk

2009-11-25T18:02:00.000-08:00

The latest - available at my Etsy shop!

Pale Blue Corduroy

2009-11-24T17:15:00.000-08:00

Amazingly soft and oh-so-cuddley! Available here.

Flannel and Grey

2009-11-24T11:44:00.000-08:00

My latest little guys. I think I prefer the lighter colors. I'm working on putting together dummy copies of my Herbert book together today to send out to publishers. Wish me luck!

In the meantime, if you would like to take either of these two home, they're available in my Etsy shop!

Dark Green Velvet Owl

2009-11-23T09:17:00.001-08:00

Want to love me forever? Buy me here :)

Plush Plum

2009-11-22T16:31:00.001-08:00

Take me home (buy me here) :).

Seeing Stars

2009-11-22T11:32:00.001-08:00

If you love me, you can buy me here :)

The Evers Girls

2009-11-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

All done!

A new Herbert

2009-11-19T10:39:00.001-08:00

Striped Herbert

2009-11-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

A Herbert for Curtis

2009-11-15T15:15:00.000-08:00

This little guy is going to the home of a precious little boy named Curtis.

Update - now selling cards!

2009-11-13T10:26:00.001-08:00

So, here are the cards I'm selling on etsy. If you'd like to order another quantity, convo me with the quantity!

http://hushmouse.etsy.com

An Owl for Elena

2009-11-10T09:49:00.001-08:00

Herbert Christmas Cards

2009-11-07T15:32:00.000-08:00

A friend requested Herbert Christmas cards. Here's what I came up with.

Kids!

2009-11-05T11:26:00.000-08:00

I finished an order for four of my little owls, but the collection I've built up made me think it was time for some family photos.

A portrait

2009-10-31T14:07:00.003-07:00

Almost done! Now I know why you never see teeth in any of Sargent's portraits.