The Art of Giovanna

Come Play with the Fairies!!!

2009-04-28T01:40:13Z

I will be appearing this year at the 18th annual May Day Fairie Festival at Spoutwood Farm. This is my 2nd year at this amazing gathering and I can hardly wait for it to begin.

I am so excited this year, because I will be bringing my wonderful husband and 2 little ones AND my youngest “Logan” will be celebrating his 3rd birthday on the first day of the festivities. So come by and wish my little guy a “Fairy Happy Birthday”.
Hope to see you there!!

May 1st, 2nd and 3rd 2009

Spoutwood Farm Center 4255 Pierceville Rd Glen Rock PA 17327 7
http://www.fairiefestival.net/

Admission: May 1st: Children 12 and under are FREE Adults: $15 May 2nd and 3rd: Adults: $15 Children 12 and under: $5 Children 2 and under FREE Three Day Adult Pass available at gate for $30 Volunteers who sign up for and complete a two hours shift will get their admission refunded.

~Giovanna Adams

The Art of Giovanna
http://www.artofgiovanna.com

New artwork~

2009-04-16T16:50:53Z

Hi everyone! I haven't been around too much lately. Been busy painting and preparing for upcoming shows. But, I wanted to share my latest painting with you called "In Waiting". Hope you like her!

A warning if you have pets..

2009-04-07T00:47:51Z

Just wanted to warn anyone who has pets; specifically dogs. There is a product out there that is called “Sergeant's Flea and Tick Squeeze-On”. It is available at Petco and where other pet products are sold. This is the type of product that is used during this time of year to help keep away ticks and such by applying it directly to the skin of the dog. We have discovered that is highly toxic (most of those type of products are). Unlike the other brands, such as Frontline, this stuff does not absorb into the skin properly. And if your dog licks it or ingests it can cause death.

We used this product on our young dog Raven Sunday afternoon and by Sun night he was very sick. Our vet noticed his pupils where very dilated and he was experiencing symptoms of neuro-toxin poisoning. Thankfully, he is going to be fine since he did not ingest very much. However, if it had been a tiny bit more he would be dead. It is going to take a few days for it to leave his system in the meantime he is on Valium. Because the neuro-toxin affects the nervous system and it causes an animal to tweak like they are on speed.

I have to say that I am outraged that stores sell this product with the danger of death being so high. And not to mention the label warnings do not mention this at all (only to keep away from children and cats). So, I just wanted to share this with all of you to stay clear of this dangerous product.

New Website!!

2009-03-06T23:57:10Z

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have a new website in the process of being set-up. I am being told that we should not experience any downtime, but just in case I thought I'd let you all know.

The new site is just beautiful and so much more functional than before. So, I will keep you posted and let you know when it is up. Should be tonight or tomorrow.

Have a great weekend everyone!

~Giovanna

New Faerie Line!

2009-02-24T05:41:30Z

I have collaborated with the amazing artist and inspirational writer Lisa Steinke. Her words and art, combined with my Faeries of Color™ series have created a unique message of unity and beauty that exists within each of us. It has been a wonderful experience working with such an inspirational artist.

These are the first four images, soon to be more. They are available now on both my site (artofgiovanna.com) and Lisa’s site (thefaeriegathering.com)

These are the first 4 images, soon to be more.

United Colors of Inspiration
by Giovanna Adams and Lisa Steinke

My year in review

2009-01-01T00:47:06Z

I wasn’t sure if I would get a chance to get all of this down. It has certainly been a busy year for me; even on New Years Eve :)

I have had one on the best years though in terms of art biz, family and finances (this one could be better though). I have watched my small “hobby” turn into a business and along with that came so many responsibilities and duties that my head spins every once in a while. But I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Here are some of my achievements of the year and goals for the New Year.

Paintings
-I painted 12 Personal Faerie Artworks. 11 of those belonging to my “Faeries of Color” Ô series (I also legally trademarked the “Faeries of Color” name…I still get a personal kick out of that)

-I did 5 individual commission pieces that are considered in the “fantasy” genre. This taught me a lot about how to approach the painting of the commissions that I chose to do and when and why NOT to take commissions.

-I also painted 34 (yes, 34) children’s book illustrations for a book by author Jennifer Lazinsk. This was a tremendous undertaking by me and taught me a lot. It was the most difficult project I have ever done for many different reasons, but it fills me with great pride to have accomplished it.

So in total I completed 51 paintings this year!

My achievements
- Began illustrating my own children’s book and am working with a wonderfully patient publisher J (February 15^th deadline is coming up real soon)

-Began work on collaboration with Lisa. She is a breath of fresh air and just an all around great gal! Can’t wait to show our project to the world.

-I have a few more products I would like see happen and projects that I would like to complete in 2009 (shhhh-secret stuff)

-My website traffic increased (almost doubled from last year)

-I began doing the show circuit and had some success

-Made some wonderful friends and contacts

-I also had some technical art goals from last year. Some that I accomplished and some I still have to work on. Hands and feet improved greatly and clothing folds (this one showed on my last piece of the year..better late than never).

-Had artwork accepted at Epilogue. A small achievement but it felt good to be acknowledged in that way.

My goals for the New Year
- Continue to improve my art skills. I would like to work much more on nature scenes. I had convinced myself that I just love painting faeries in the sky, abandoned castles, etc. But, I am beginning to think that is just an excuse to not paint trees, flowers and other nature scene that I am afraid to attempt.

-I am also just dying to do a REALLY BIG, detailed painting too.

-Complete all the illustrations to my children’s book and begin writing the next.

-I would also like to continue to organize my business better and be a bit more consistent with my newsletters and announcements. My husband is going o help out a bit more with this and a few other things. I am going to greatly appreciate his help.

Well, that it. One last thought though; just a big thank you to all my RL, Online friends and art fans. I hope each and every one of you has an awesome 2009!!

Happy Holidays!!

2008-12-25T02:27:33Z

New Artwork!!!

2008-12-18T15:48:31Z

She is called "The Ravens' Return"

New Artwork

2008-12-09T20:51:22Z

She is called "Black Rose"

Really cool discovery...

2008-11-19T21:56:06Z

Some of you may not remember these. But I didn't realize that the toy was actually based on a thought to be extinct primate.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/11/19/elusive.primate/index.html

Interesting day..

2008-11-17T22:40:54Z

Today started out with my 5 year old daughter's beloved goldfish "Goldie" dying. She/he hadn't been looking too good for the last couple of days. Luckily I was the first to find Goldie belly up in her/his bowl (she/he resided in my studio). She/he had been with us for quite a long time, maybe even longer than your average goldfish and my daughter Grace counted her as one of the family. My husband suggested quickly replacing Goldie, but I thought it best to try to gently explain the circle of life to our little one. I agonized quite a bit over this b/c I grew up with death being explained as "so-and-so has gone to heaven". Well, my husband and I just couldn't use that explanation. We don't really label ourselves as one religion or another. But, our beliefs are definitely more pagan in origin than anything else.

So, when Grace came to me this morning after noticing the little tank was empty we had a good chat about life, death and the fact that Goldie was happy, swimming and no longer sick. After hearing that Goldie was no longer with us, Grace said she was going to miss Goldie and was sad and wanted to cry (this broke my heart). We told her that it was ok to by sad and cry for Goldie. She shed a couple of tears and paused for a moment before saying "Can we go to PetCo today and get another fish?" *sigh* Five year olds are so resiliant, LOL.

Off we went to Petco and purchased lots of new toys for our 7month old puppy (yes, I still need to post pictures) and we came home with a beautiful (and highly aggressive) betta. Grace has named him "Nemo" LOL

New Painting!!

2008-11-09T22:23:55Z

I completed a new painting this evening. She is called "Keeper's Heart".

New Art

2008-10-23T16:19:29Z

I completed a new painting last night called "Through You". Done in watercolor and watercolor pencil. She is approx. 12 x 16. Hope you likey!

Happy Birthday Ash!!

2008-10-20T16:15:17Z

Happy Birthday Ash!!! I hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Faeriecon pictures

2008-10-17T02:57:47Z

Me with Sara (my booth helper and amazing artist) and Monika (another amazing artist. I loved meeting her in person..she is so cute!)

me with Linda Ravenscroft (she is so much fun) and wonderful Sara

me with Jane Starr Weils (dancing to Woodland)-I just love this picture and Jane too!

with Jasmine Becket-Griffith (her and her husband Matty are so sweet)

with the Greenman

Lisa Steinke (my roomie) and Jamie Martinez-Wood (wiccan author and amazing woman)

Bad Faeries-as if there was any doubt!

Me and Monika-isn't she cute?

with Charity Holly, owner of Mystic Memories. She makes all of our perfume oils and bath/beauty products. She is a awesome!

with Monika and Ash (Ash totally rocked in her costumes-I had so much fun with her. Every time we were around each other we just laughed and laughed. I can't wait to hang her print in my studio)

FaerieCon 08

2008-10-16T15:44:12Z

I had a blast exhibiting at Faeriecon 08! I had visited this convention last year and it was such a kick to experience this from this other side. My booth was right across from the main stage, so I was able to sketch while listening to The Gypsy Nomads and Woodland. Sara ~Enchanted helped me out in my booth an even though she felt she didn't do much; she was a tremendous help to me. Her husband Chris was also so wonderful and provided the muscle for my booth setup and takedown. They are amazing people and have such a beautiful family.

I shared a room with the lovely and uber talented Lisa Steinke. She is such a cool chick and we had many things in common. We had some great late night chats. One of my favorite parts to this trip was getting ready for the balls with Lisa, Jamie Wood (love her), and Sara. Every once in a while a gal just needs that "girlie" time. And there is nothing more empowering that wearing a corset while strutting down the streets of Philly with your girl posse.

It was such an exhausting weekend and I unfortunately had to bail on a few group dinners out. I seriously had to nap in between the convention and the balls. Yes, I am old. I did have the pleasure though of having dinner out with Lisa, Jess and Heather. They are such fun girls and extraordinary women (and Heather, I am crossing my fingers for you with NIN, babe).

The weekend was full of meets and greets. I had a lovely time chatting with Steven of Virtual Cards. He came all the way from Scotland. He is such a wonderful person; I hope he does not think me too devilish...hehehe. The talented Ash Evans was so beautiful in her costumes and fun to talk to. Charity Holly from Mystic Memories came with her adorable family. She is such an incredible person and I had so much fun with her. There were so many kick ass women that I had the pleasure of talking with; Linda Ravenscroft, Jasmine (and her husband Matty-such a cute couple), Jane Starr Weils, Nicole Pisaneillo (and her mom), , Monika (Faebyl)-she came all the way from Canada, Linda Biggs, Misty Benson, Robyn from Munro, Elaine Corvidae (one day we will get a chance to chat more…lol). I am sure I am forgetting a load of people, please forgive me, I think I need another nap.

One of the greatest gifts I think I received from attending FaerieCon was 3 little words: Focus, Discipline (thx L) and Inspiration. This past year for me has consisted of many, many commissions and while I am so honored and thankful for that, I had lost site of my true desires for my own art. So, expect to see much art coming from me in the coming months along with a few big projects and collaborations.

Peace

Oh…I will post pictures soon.

I'm going to play with the Faeries!!

2008-10-08T21:58:11Z

I will be leaving for Faeriecon tomorrow morning. I am expecting to have a fantastic time with many of my favorite LJ friends. I am usually so bad about remembering to take pictures, but this time around I promise to take a few (maybe even several).

You can still place orders on the website while I am at play, but please note orders will not ship until Wed. the 15th.

I am in booth # 1943. Yep, I am out in the boonies, but it is a good opportunity to come say "hey" to me and check out my goodies while watching all the goings on at the Main Stage which is right in front of my booth.

Hope to see you there!

Faeriecon Tickets anyone???

2008-09-29T15:24:11Z

I just wanted to let everyone know on LJ that I still have a ton of FREE Faeriecon tickets to give away. If anyone would like tickets please let me know and I will mail them out to you asap.

email: giovanna@artofgiovanna.com

Have a large family? Or some friends that would like to attend with you? No worrys! just let me know how many you would like.

Hope to see you there!

Faeriecon 2008
Philadelphia, PA
Oct 10-12th

giovanna_adams @ 2008-09-18T15:01:00

2008-09-18T19:14:57Z

Well, I am still in bed sick. But am slowly getting a little better. I have an upper respiratory infection. A few weeks ago I would have loved the idea of a week in bed, being waiting on while watching bad daytime TV , but now I am getting a bit bored. Unfortunately, the meds I am on make me really sleepy,so just when I think I am so bored and can't take it anymore, I pass out...lol

I am hoping that I will be back on my feet and in the studio by the weekend. I will also do my best to catch up on emails and finish up a couple of commissions.

Thanks so much to all my LJ friends for the well wishes! It made me feel so loved. You guys are the best!!!

I hate being sick

2008-09-15T16:08:45Z

Just in case anyone has been wondering where I've been. I have been in bed for the last 4 days. My head feels like it is going to explode and I go into these awful coughing fits where I feel like I am going to crack a rib.

I have a good supply of tea with honey that has been helping a bit. And I have been sleeping off and on for most of the day. Kitty cat has been keeping my company...she loves to snuggle.

giovanna_adams @ 2008-08-25T10:29:00

2008-08-25T14:52:51Z

I had a really productive weekend. It makes me happy to have days like that. Usually, I am stressing about what I didn't get done, so it’s nice to know I accomplished much. Most of it was business stuff that I had been neglecting for awhile. My husband was off for the weekend taking a motorcycle riding course (yes, my race car driving husband is now licensed to ride motorcycles...don't get me started on that one..lol). While my little ones were doing there own thing, I did a lot of long overdue updates on my website. I added in alot of the products that I have been carrying for some time and EVEN DID my newsletter (if you are not signed up for my newsletter, go the my website and signup). I also started making my lists for FaerieCon. I LOVE LISTS! What to bring, etc.

My husband is also building a few small displays for me that I designed, 1 that involved a trek through the woods for a 5ft branch. That was fun, especially driving him crazy when I decided that the first few 5ft branches "just weren't right". It is alot of fun having him involved this way though. Some of our conversations are so funny; I come at things from a visual perspective and everything with him is in measurements.

I am almost done with a new painting. I am really happy with the way this one is coming out (will post when finished). I am painting my first wolf. It was a challenge but, has been alot of fun!

Oh! My baby girl turns 5 years old tomorrow! I can't believe she is growing up so fast!

Hope everyone has a great week!
~G

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!!!

2008-07-25T23:47:15Z

Countdown to puppyville...

2008-06-02T14:50:22Z

We now have 6 days before we are proud puppy owners. Although my 4 year old daughter is convinced that it is literally going to take "forever" for the puppy to get here. We had a home visit with the rescue over the weekend and passed with honors. Even our two little ones impressed. We spent the weekend preparing the yard. We set up a designated dog potty area and installed a kitty door in our laundry room. We fear that our small 10 year old cat is going to be the most traumatized by all this, so we set her up with her own little area; she pretty much had this before with and open door to the laundry room with cat box and food, but now with the door closed she is the only one that can fit in and out through the kitty door. However, this is not her 1st experience living with a dog. Before our kids were born we had a very large Rottie. And while I wouldn't go as far to say that they loved each other, they did manage to coexist peacefully up until the Rotties death from cancer 6 years ago.

The thing that just amazes me though is how much money we have managed to spend already on this little pup (did we even spend this much when our kids were born? :D) Anyway. we have done 2 trips to PetCo, 3 if you count the ordering online that I had to do for things that were not in stock. Toys, food, crates, beds (one for puppy and one for kitty...kitty may have to give up her our bed space for awhile..poor kitty) treats, leashes, collars, chewing things, bowls, brush,....the list goes on. Not to mentioned all the stuff that they TRIED to sell me when I mentioned we had adopted a lab puppy. I mean, do we really need a doggy car seat? I really don't think so. This is a lab for crying out load..lol! Oh and did I mention the obedience classes and invisible fence training (luckily the fence had already been installed by previous owners).

Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. This was all pretty much expected, but it still amazes me. I am starting to see why everyone keeps telling us that this is going to be our third child. Thank goodness we don't have to put this one through college.

Will post lots of pics on the big day! Oh and I also planted a beauiful yellow rose bush this weekend, just a warm up for all the work that needs to be done on the veggie garden in the coming weekends.

Have a good week all.

My adventures at Spoutwood!

2008-05-19T15:38:06Z

Well, I have finally gotten around to journalling about my first festival (its only been 3 weeks...eek). I had a wondeful time and for my first go at it, it was highly successful. Big thanks to

ellenmillionfor making all of my prints and paper products. They all came came out wonderful and looked beautiful in my tent.

The first day of the fest was a little bit slow for most everyone. It was also incrediably hot and humid (for those of you who don't know...it is an outdoor festival on a beautiful organic farm). On top of that I had come down with some kind of stomache bug (my 2 year old son had gotten sick just before I left) so, I was popping pepto chewables like they were the latest candy craze. But, I got through the day and thankfully my mother-in-law took care of me most of the evening (more on mom-in-law later). Saturday the weather cooperated even though the forcast was for rain. There were lots and lots of people there on Sat....awesome faery wear too. Of course one of the highlights of Sat for me was getting to see some of my favorite SL peeps and faery friends. I was able to chat a little with my lovely and talented friends; brigidashwood and her hubby Ed,janestarrweils (she was fairly close to my booth and my visits to her kept me sane-more MIL info to come). I was so excited to finally meet in person the awesome Ash Evans thephoenixx and her hubby Johnnie baldrick75(and I admit I fell in love with little Cezar). Ash totally rocked as the green fairy! I finally got to meet Jessica and we shared a few laughs in my booth along with Annette. I got to say hello again to the wonderful Faerie Magazine crew, who were missing my good friend Be who was sadly absent this year. And the lovely Yama who kept travelling up the step hill to visit me as I was going down the hill...we finally met up though after a few atempts.

Sunday was my busy day in the booth. That morning, I decided to put some stickers and magnets outside my tent in a basket on a small table in order to draw in more people (this is probably old hat to some of you veterens) well, wow....I had a constant flow of people and even better... buyers! The best feeling though was having these same people thank me for doing my Faeries of Color tm. When I began my journey with this idea, I had hoped it would reach people. People that wanted to identify with the faerie realm by seeing a bit of themselves. I even had a women that was inspired by my paintings for her festival custome...such a thrill. So all and all I did a little more than brake even for the weekend, but felt very encouraged given that this was my first time. I plan to go back net year. Now I am setting my sights on my next show of the year...FaerieCon!

*forgive me for all the spelling errors I know must be here, but I am typing this as I atempt to get me 4 year old off to preschool, while my 2 year old "helps"

Stella got her groove back!

2008-05-16T04:20:03Z

No, that is not the name of my new painting, but I am definately feeling inspired by that title. Anyway, I completed a new painting tonight that I am actually happy with. Lately, I have been pretty unhappy with the work I have been producing and most are sitting in a pile on top of my bookshelf unfinished. So, I feel in a sense that "I got my groove back" or at least my fickle little muse did...I have a love/hate relationship with her.

I was asked to do this one by someone that I consider pretty important in the fantasy art biz. Not really a commission (I had started it before I was asked), but...well I will tell more later.

Here she is "Angel of Longing" (I wish it scanned a bit better. I may have to take some photos of this one to bring out the vibrancy a bit more)