Saturday, April 23, 2016

Designs to Color!

Normally, I just post my records.
But this is a special mention for Designs to Color!  This psychedelic, abstract coloring book was *THE ORIGINAL*, created in 1965 by my beloved aunt, Betty Schaffner.  She was an artistic pioneer, decades ahead of her time.

Coloring books with unusual subject matter are the current "zen" thing - but what you need to know is that the Betty Schaffner Designs to Color book was the first, created almost 50 years ago.  She knew she had created a phenomenon then, and now it's back in full force.

My aunt believed that everyone had innate creativity, and in a time where she felt traditional coloring books for children lacked imagination, she boldly created and published designs that could be decorated in a unique way. No two people color the designs the same.  Each design can be colored and interpreted differently, as many times as you like.  The possibilities are endless, when you color in one of the Designs to Color books. Six books were published in the late 1960s.

They are for people of any age, any gender, any ability, and any lifestyle to enjoy.  Use markers, crayons, watercolors, ink pens, or whatever you want to color the designs. No limits.  Open your mind...

And you know what else?  You can color within the lines --- or not!  Your choice. The lines are only a suggestion of where to take your thoughts.

My aunt Betty and these books were an enormous influence on my life and creativity.  I had the unique privilege of living with my aunt until her tragic death, and I am so happy to see that her spirit lives on with these magical designs.

Here is a link to the coloring books, available online:

http://www.tallfellow.com/default/tf-designs-to-color.html

You can also request them at your local bookstore or art supply store.

HAPPY COLORING!


Thursday, April 7, 2016

Go Ahead and Take a Ride; No Telling What You'll Find.




Here's a record I've listened to about a million times.  I love you, Go-Go's.
Jane Wiedlin, you are a bonafide goddess and a genius.
I painted this for a lovely couple that lives near the beach in California.
The Go-Go's had a huge influence on my teenage self in the 80s.

Something for the girl with everything



A very generous person gave me their collection of old Sparks albums, which included this one called Propaganda.  I think it came out super groovy.

If you would like to purchase this perky album, please visit my Big Cartel store with this link to the record:
http://recordsbyrachro.bigcartel.com/product/sparks-painted-record-mandala

Thank you for looking!

Hawaii calls


The Best of Hawaii Calls.
I adore this record and it will be displayed at Jude's Old Town,
in the heart of beautiful Rainier Beach in Seattle.