A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 6

What is your technique?

I paint in oil on canvas. I build and sculpt the art through many layers of glazing and scumbling.

Picture credit: "Red Ahead"

Click here to see this image on a Christmas ornament or ceramic mug

Friday's website of interest to art enthusiasts: ASK MRS. BIDDINGTON

While I don't know exactly who "Mrs. Biddington" is, she has some advice related to art care and restoration. The link I have to share here is "Techniques for Cleaning Paintings: Ask Mrs. Biddington". She talks about how to clean oil paintings and paper prints.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 5

Where do you get your inspiration?

From happy people, nature, reflective surfaces, vibrant color, music, and other creative people.

Picture credit: "Jorge", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this beef bull painting

Cow Art and More artist on magazine cover

Congratulations to Cow Art and More artist Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson for having her artwork, "Le Coq du Village", chosen for the February 15, 2010, cover of the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The magazine is the official bimonthly publication for the 78,000 veterinary members of the American Veterinary Medical Association and contains current events, case studies, and research articles. Elizabeth's art was chosen to grace the cover because of its unique qualities and artistic representation of roosters. Unfortunately, the editor will not give permission to have the cover shown in any way to others outside of its members, but know that it looks great and makes Cow Art and More proud to be able to represent Elizabeth and her art.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 4

How did you get started?

As a child, music was a part of my daily life but not art. Oh I painted a little but in high school but never took an official art class. As a teenager, I'd climb up in our loft and disappear for hours. However, once I entered college, I stopped creating and didn't do anything officially creative again until I was 32.

( I chose a practical major, transportation/business and ended up dropping out as a senior. Sometimes the most logical choices are not the best choices! )

I took my first painting class at 32 and knew right then I was supposed to be an artist. I'd get up every day at 3am and paint before work. (After work was too stressful.)
Finally, after 5 years of doing this, I was able to leave my day job and become a full time artist.

Picture credit: "Breaktime", oil on canvas

Click here to purchase this image on a ceramic mug

Monday's agriculture website of interest: GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER

In honor of black history month, I thought it would be only fitting that we reflected on the contributions of scientist George Washington Carver. The National Agricultural Library maintains a list of websites that discuss his biography, contributions to agriculture and tributes. Some of his best known inventions are products derived from peanuts, sweet potatoes and soybeans.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 3

Why do you paint?

I must. It's a primal drive for me. I feel the same way about music. There is so much inside that needs to come out. It's like being really excited about something and wanting to share it with everyone.

Picture credit: "The Roping Lesson", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this rodeo art painting