Redesign

Over the past few days I've been playing around with a new design for my website and blog. I've had the same basic layout for almost 5 years... figured it was time for a change.
Let me know what you think!

RucusStudio.com

Another year is about to end and I'm reminiscing about all the special moments that took place in 2011. It was indeed a busy year, but thankfully one filled with much good fortune.

Many of my favorite moments came from meeting new customers and visiting with those who have followed my work for years. Your enthusiasm and excitement for collecting is why I am able to continue creating and growing as an artist - Thank you.

A few gold stars on my calendar came from time spent with my artist friends. This eclectic group keeps me grounded as we share the same passion for living the creative life. I'm truly grateful for their friendships.

Other highlights include having my work published in national magazines. Thank you again to the editors for supporting my efforts. Some of these features can be seen listed on the sidebar to the left.

The closing of the year means the beginning of yet another. I plan to embrace the challenges given and take charge to create more happy memories.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and
Joyous New Year!

Please join me and five of my artist friends
for our last update and sale for The Best We Can Do.
Our sale takes place on Saint Nicholas Day,
December 6th at 8pm (Eastern)
In honor of this most festive day, we've selected the theme of St. Nicholas. And since he is known for leaving treats in children's shoes, we're adding the challenge to incorporate a shoe into our design.

You can learn more about the sale and our theme on our show website.
http://www.TheBestWeCanDo.com

A BIG Thank You!

To everyone who came to Ghoultide Gathering last weekend, thank you VERY much!  We had a great show and enjoyed visiting with all of you.  Once things settle down here in the studio we will post more images from the show.

~ Next On The Schedule ~

Using the remains of a very successful Ghoultide Gathering,
we have come up with a concoction to tempt even the most discriminating palate.

The basic ingredients are found in almost any cupboard - a witches wart, a pumpkin stem, the whisker of a rat, and a pinch of straw from a scarecrow.  

Seasoned with a few items that were put on the back burner prior to Ghoultide, the result is a medley of characters to warm you on a chilly Hallow's Eve.  

Get ready to taste and enjoy!  

Join us in the Curiosity Shop on

Sunday, October 16th, at 8 pm (Eastern)

The time has come at last

This Friday and Saturday, September 30th and October 1st, we'll be offering the latest works from the studio with all who can attend. With it being a two day show, we've created more pieces than ever before. There will be new works from us on both days. We hope to see you in Northville!

5th Annual Ghoultide Gathering - A Halloween Artist Spectacular
You can learn more about the show by checking out the website:
http//:www.ghoultidegathering.com

An Early Halloween Treat

The cat is out of the bag... My work has been selected for the cover and feature article in the upcoming fall issue of Art Doll Quarterly magazine AGAIN! I couldn't be more honored or proud of this good fortune. I feel a bit like lightning has struck the Rucus Studio twice.

Earlier this year I was contacted by the editor of ADQ to submit images from the Halloween web sales I started last year. My first show was The Ivory Hue of Bones, where I worked in a limited color pallette. The concept caught their attention and became a full article. Thank you once again to the managing editor, Jana Holstein, for this wonderful opportunity.
The fall issue will be on newsstands at the beginning of August. I will also have a few copies available at Ghoultide Gathering.
You can also order a copy direct from Stampington by using this link. Be quick though, the issue I was in for 2009 sold out! http://www.stampington.com/html/adq_autumn11.html

Look in the inside front cover for a double-page ad for the 5th annual Ghoultide Gathering in this issue as well. The colorful ad features artwork from just a few of this year's celebrated artists.

Oh what strange sights can be seen on Halloween!

The strangest thing happened while taking pictures outside yesterday.  I kept hearing rustling in the leaves, but didn't see anything. Then, just as I turned around, I saw her.  I couldn't believe my eyes, it was the Hag of the Woods! So lucky to have caught this picture before she vanished into the woods, muttering and chanting away. I shared this encounter with a few friends and they told “she is the one who casts the spells of good fortune and the circle of protection 'round your home.” 

I guess that must be true, as we were indeed blessed with much good fortune during Curiosity Shop web sale last night.  Thank you to everyone who joined us for my last of the Halloween web sales for 2010. The response and requests were overwhelming and I sincerely appreciate all the support and positive comments about my art.

Now it's time for a quick rest, and to put away the black and orange in the studio before we begin work on our second favorite season - Christmas!