White Bowl with Apples on Cloth Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

20"x24", Oil on Canvas, $399 To purchase this painting, please contact the artist at amy.whitehouse@me.com Today was a great day and plenty full. I taught painting class this morning and the students' artwork turned out great. This afternoon I held our Spring Piano Recital and all the students played beautifully. A bit of work involved but a wonderfully gratifying day. Gifts from God.

Bowl of Apples Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

12"x16" Acrylic on Canvas, $60 for CHALLENGE 60 Please see prior posts for information on CHALLENGE 60. To purchase this painting please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com I'm very excited to say that March 2012 has been an extremely successful month. I've sold 8 paintings, 4 of which for CHALLENGE 60 which will benefit a dear family in need. A big shout out to all my supporters! And thanks be to God, the giver of all good things.

Blue Teapot Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

Day 12 of CHALLENGE 60 presents this long horizontal still life in oil, $60. This painting is on a canvas sized 24"x20" so would need custom framing. If interested in purchasing this traditional still life painting - and remember that 60% of the $60 goes to the beloved family who is in crisis - please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com I finished a week-long workshop with professional artist Logan Hagege this week at the Scottsdale Artists' School. I'm very pleased with two of the five paintings I did this week, and may even post them soon! Highly recommended teacher, take his class if you have a chance, you won't be sorry!

"Pooch" Contemporary Dog Portrait Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

5"x7" Acrylic Painting Custom Framed, $60 To purchase please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com Day 11 of CHALLENGE 60 is in previous post. Thanks for looking at my sweet doggies. If you send me images of your dogs, I would love to paint and post them. I am looking for more dogs to capture on canvas.

Sweet Doggy Contemporary Dog Portrait Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

8"x10" Acrylic, Custom-framed, $60 for CHALLENGE 60 where 60% of proceeds goes to our friends in crisis. Contact me if interested in purchasing: amy.whitehouse@me.com

Yellow Chair Contemporary Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

3.5"x5" Acrylic on Heavy Watercolor Paper, $60 Day 10 of CHALLENGE 60 (see previous posts) - 2 Paintings have sold! My workshop at Scottsdale Artists' School is challenging and exciting; trying to incorporate new ideas into my artwork and completely fatigued - but smiling! Let me know if you would like this designer chair for your home or for a special gift: amy.whitehouse@me.com

Florida Beach Scene Seascape Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

24"x30" Acrylic on Canvas, $399 To purchase please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com Thanks for stopping by; please see previous post for Day 9 of CHALLENGE 60

Holiday Pineapple Contemporary Still Life by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

9"x12" Acrylic on Canvas, $60 as Day 9 of CHALLENGE 60 (see previous posts for info). We've been enjoyed caramelizing slices of fresh pineapple served hot with cold vanilla ice cream for dessert lately. Try it - so easy, and so scrumptious! LMK if interested in "Holiday Pineapple".

Garlic in Blue, Food Series Still Life by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

Today I had the excitement of starting a week-long workshop with the artist Logan Hagege. Scottsdale Artists' School awarded me a scholarship to this fabulous 5-day workshop, the focus of which is composition and design. EXACTLY what I've been wanting some training in - another gift from God! WoW!...Anyway I could feel myself smiling the entire time I was in class today, and can hardly wait for tomorrow morning to roll around so I can try to execute some of today's teaching. We will have a live model tomorrow from which to paint a portrait. I'm so inspired and happy to have this opportunity. As for the CHALLENGE 60, today is Day 8 in my attempt to raise funds for the family we love who is in the midst of crisis. So this little acrylic painting on heavy-duty watercolor paper is priced at $60, 60% will go to the family. If interested in purchasing please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com and I thank you for coming by my site.

Apples #50 Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

10"x20" Acrylic,, $60 Day 7 of CHALLENGE 60 in which I am attempting to help our friends whose child has been critically ill for many weeks; the challenge is for me to offer a daily painting for $60, 60% of which will go to our friends to help pay for prescriptions and other medical bills not covered by insurance. I hope that you, dear reader, will find something you like for yourself or for a gift during these 60 days, and thereby help out a wonderful family. The child has come home from the hospital this week, and has a long road ahead for complete recovery.

Spring Fling Floral Still Life by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

14"x18" Oil on Canvas, $150 To purchase please contact Amy at amy.whitehouse@me.com This is a reposting; Day 6 of CHALLENGE 60 is posted below. What was YOUR day like? Mine was plenty full as we say in the South, taught 2 painting classes, attended a piano recital by an amazing young woman, and did a few household chores. Teaching students teaches me how to "read" other people, listen, and weigh my words. It also reinforces art theory and principles that I want to remember myself. Another gift. What gift did God give you today? Would love to hear about it.

Bright Pineapples Contemporary Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

16"x20" Oil on Canvas, $60 for CHALLENGE 60 To purchase please contact Amy at amy.whitehouse@me.com

Art Students

Just had to share a photo of some of my incredibly talented art students. Saturdays are so inspiring as I get to have a group of young artists come in the morning and another group in the afternoon. Each student, no matter what age, has his/her own style which I try to encourage, rather than impose my own vision onto their canvases. It's challenging and then extremely gratifying as I see the amazing results. Another gift, I get to pursue my passion of helping others find their own artistic voices.

Perfect Apple Still Life Painting by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

Day 5 of CHALLENGE 60 features this 4"x6"x1" Oil painting on canvas with painted 1" sides, $60 To purchase please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com

Spring Fling Floral Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

14"x18" Oil on Canvas, $150 To purchase please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com

Hospitality Contemporary Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

Day 4 of CHALLENGE 60 features an 18"x24" Oil Painting of a Pineapple, the traditional symbol of hospitality. God's Word tells us to "practice hospitality" (Romans 12). This short sentence is preceded by another short one: "Share with God's people who are in need." Wow. As I am writing, I just now see the connection for the day. I chose this painting seemingly randomly, but then the subject reminded me of the verse about practicing hospitality, which led me to look up Romans 12. This CHALLENGE 60 is about helping my friends pay their bills, but their needs are not just financial. This family has been through more than I can imagine being able to get through; their needs include encouragement from those who love them and from those who are just now hearing about their needs. Remember 60% of this $60 painting cost will go to share with a specific family in need of encouragement. (I'm keeping this family's name private, but all sales from this 60-day period goes to the family mentioned in the previous CHALLENGE 60 posts.)

Van Gogh Sunflower Drawings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

Day 3 of CHALLENGE 60 features something different - a drawing in acrylic and ink. It's one of those pieces that just happens, and then it's pleasing to the eye. A gift! My subject for the day: gifts. My husband brought me a soy chai latte which was the perfect gift to savor as I spent 3 hours on the 'phone with a technician in India trying to get my computer to work. Someone purchased yesterday's painting which was the gift of encouragement for me. And in turn will be a financial gift to our friends caring for their child. Then I went to the library and brought home several books to peruse and enjoy - a mystery, a cookbook, a guide to Arizona flowers (reference for my artwork), etc. What a gift! I love coming home with books from the library. What gifts did you receive or give today? BTW if interested in this drawing, framed in black square frame and white mat, LMK: amy.whitehouse@me.com

Mini Aspens Mixed Media Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

Day 2 of CHALLENGE 60 features a contemporary representation of aspens in Northern Arizona. The painting measures 4"x12"x1.25" and the sides are painted so that it's ready to hang. $60 for CHALLENGE 60 and 60% goes to friends in need (see prior posting). So how was YOUR day? I tend to focus on the failures of my day and life, and was reminded by another blogger today to celebrate today's achievements. So I thought I'd share the exciting news that I cleaned out part of my studio's bathroom today! Yes, this is what I am celebrating as my day's achievement. You might think, hmm, big whip; but YOU didn't see it before I cleaned it and vacuumed it. Well I still have the rest of the bathroom and the entire studio to clean, but I'm still celebrating. What was your day's achievement? Oh yes, I also took a nap, which I haven't done in many months. I sat down to read for a few minutes and remember laying my head on the very uncomfortable 90 degree angle of the hard armchair arms, thinking, "If I do fall asleep it won't be for long on this uncomfy spot." Well...I was wrong! I slept for 2 hours! Another achievement - yay, me!

Peonies Contemporary Floral Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

11"x14", $60 Day 1 of CHALLENGE 60 features my favorite flower, the peony. What a day, trying to exercise so have started a killer class and went today, which wore me out for the rest of the day. My thighs are still trembling. Alas, I had to teach 4 piano lessons, but that went well and we're getting ready for a piano recital (gulp). Ran errands to get materials to pack up paintings that have sold and then packaged them to mail tomorrow. All good, right? So remember this is the first day of 60 where I will post a painting for $60 to help our friends (see yesterday's post). I hope during that time you will find something you like for yourself or for a gift. "Buy local" ?? I appreciate you, my supporters, for taking time to visit my site. To purchase contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com or simply purchase through Paypal with same e-mail address.

Artist's Brushes Still Life by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

CHALLENGE 60: Crisis and Opportunity My dear friend, S., has been living with her child at a hospital for the past 5 weeks. It has been an unimaginable very tough journey for her and her family, and it continues on. When I was studying for my Masters degree in Counseling at the University of Florida - Go Gators - and interning at a Crisis Center, we were taught that the Chinese symbol for "Crisis" also means "Opportunity." Now, I want to help my friend whose family has been suffering through a crisis. For 60 days, beginning tomorrow, I am issuing CHALLENGE 60. I will post a daily painting priced at $60 (shipping additional). Sixty percent of all sales will go to my friend S. to help with prescriptions and hospital bills not covered by insurance. Let's seize the opportunity to turn this crisis into a blessing. Today's posting is a 6"x8" oil painting framed in a red enamel frame, $175. Tomorrow CHALLENGE 60 will begin. Thanks for visiting my site.

Go Wild Expressive Contemporary Floral Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

GO WILD is so named because of my art class this morning. I had a typical traditional floral arrangement set up, but I told my students I wanted them to go wild, the flower display was just a jumping-off point for them. And wow they just started painting with fearless bold strokes, covering their canvases with beautiful saturated color and dynamic design. Each painting was so distinctive and in their own personal style, I couldn't have been happier. And of course, I had to try it too. So here's my attempt to go wild, 20"x20" Acrylic, $175. I want to encourage you, dear reader, to give yourself permission to play with your art materials, your musical instrument, your writing (you know I'm talking to you, Amy G), your dance steps, your sewing. And please share your results with me.

Precious Puppy Dog Portraits by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

12"x16"Acrylic on Panel, $175 This has been a good week with great outings, great weather, some painting I'm happy with, and 3 sales. However that being said, I have to go back to why I make art. It can't be about selling, because that is too erratic and not the point. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled when I sell a piece of artwork, and it certainly helps buy the next round of art supplies and haircuts for the family. But I always have to come back to the "why" of creating art. And for me, it's because it makes me happy; I believe I'm supposed to make art, share it, and help others be creative; and mostly because it is a gift from God. I've been thinking about inspiration and where it comes from for my artwork. Spending time at the Botanical Garden totally got my juices going. Books like Walking On Water by Madeleine L'Engle are extremely encouraging and even exhorting. Also some of the specialty art/multi-media magazines, such as Somerset Studio, give me so many ideas I can hardly stand it. Here's a quote from an article I read today: It's not the art degree that makes you an artist, it is the practice, the learning - the study itself. It is not earning money from selling your art that makes you an artist, it's doing the art.

Desert in Bloom Southwest Landscape in Oil

Spent the morning with Mark at the Desert Botanical Gardens, a must-visit stop for any visitors to Scottsdale/Phoenix area. It was incredibly beautiful and peaceful early this morning. I strongly recommend you go ASAP and see the magnificent artistic grounds and creatures of our state. This painting is in oil, 20"x20", with painted 2" edges, ready to hang or give as an extra-special gift, $400 To purchase please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com

Waters Divided (Exodus 14) Acrylic Seascape by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

This painting began as an abstract but then developed into a representation, to me anyway, of God's deliverance of the Israelites when they were fleeing Pharoah's years of persecution and specifically Pharoah's soldiers. The Book of Exodus states that Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind, and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground...the historical account goes on to describe the death of all the Egyptian soldiers. How interesting that this painting is my posting for today. Many of our friends are suffering in one way or another, my beloved uncle died 2 weeks ago today, there seems to be an increase in the general public's rude, impatient manner, much dis-ease among many. But God delivers His people, and our Redeemer lives. 24"x12"x1.75" $299 Let me know if this piece of art interests you: amy.whitehouse@me.com The vagaries of life, and the ravages of time seem evermore apparent. In another time of confusion and disappointment, many of Jesus' disciples were deserting Him. Jesus asked the Twelve, "you do not want to leave too, do you?" Peter answered him "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." I will follow His words.

Field of Poppies Floral Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

I started this 24"x12"x1.5" painting several weeks ago and finished it today. The 1.5" edges are painted the same deep green found in the foliage so this painting is ready to hang! Several of my friends here in the Valley grow lovely poppies but I have had no luck. One great thing about art is you can "have" whatever you want, "go" wherever you want to go, "spend time" with whomever you love and cherish. What a wonderful gift art is, and I am so grateful for it. If you are interested in this painting for your home or a special gift, please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com. $299.00

Basset Pooch Contemporary Dog Portraits by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

I am just having so much fun painting all these dogs. Guess I'll stick with it as long as it's so enjoyable. This little one is 8"x10" Acrylic on Panel, $125. Please contact me if interested: amy.whitehouse@me.com

Blue Boots Contemporary Still Life Paintings by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

The only childhood Christmas I remember clearly was when Santa left me the cowgirl outfit with the holster & gun, the fringed skirt, the cowboy hat. Don't remember getting boots, but they may have been there too. I wanted to be Dale Rogers and have a horse. Moving out west to Arizona 18 years ago fulfilled some of those childhood desires I believe. I haven't gotten any "cowgirl" boots yet, but painting some is close enough for now. There's still time to go shopping, right? "Blue Boots" is a 10"x10" Acrylic Painting on Canvas priced at $150. Please contact me if these boots would brighten up your home: amy.whitehouse@me.com

Ocean Scene Contemporary Paintings on Canvas by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

This fairly abstract painting shows raw and expressive feelings about the subject. The large quick strokes give life to a scene that can look mundane or flat in artwork. 8"x10" Acrylic, $150. Please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com if you are interested in this piece. And thanks for coming to my site!

Alexandra Contemporary Portrait by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

12"x16" Oil Painting on Canvas Please contact me if interested in this painting. Wiped out, it's been too busy this past week. Thank you for coming be my site. amy.whitehouse@me.com

Good Dog Contemporary Dog Portraits by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

9"x12" Acrylic on Canvas Panel, $150 I just realized that this piece looks like a Fritz Scholder painting, and I am thrilled. There will be an exhibit of the largest collection of his work displayed Mar. 15 - Apr. 30 at the Larsen Gallery in Scottsdale. Anyway, back to ME! If you would like to purchase this painting please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com

Treat Time Contemporary Dog Portraits by Arizona Artist Amy Whitehouse

12"x12" Acrylic on Canvas, $195 To purchase this painting please contact me at amy.whitehouse@me.com Traveling again but looking very forward to getting home and doing some painting. This one was started when I was on the painting retreat in Maine and finished recently. I love the dog's stance, as well as the patient but anticipatory look on the face. Thank you for coming by my site.