Waaaaayyyy back in 2013, I did a little daily painting project that I called "A Dress a Day." As a part of this project, I painted one dress per day for 100 days. I did this because I wanted to make myself paint more and I wanted to get more comfortable with using watercolor paints. The project achieved both of these things and it was really fun, plus it was a nice little way to make money, too, as I sold some of the paintings as I went. That being said, I painted 100 dresses and not all of the originals sold, so for the past few years, the remaining watercolors have just sat in a folder in my studio, hidden from sight...until now! As I was cleaning up in my studio last week, I decided it was time to do another "From the Archives" sale, so this time around I'm selling some of my favorite remaining originals from this project--20 in total. There is only one of each painting available (obvs) and I'm selling them for $28 each { + free shipping!!}. They are priced to move and unframed so that you can choose the perfect frame + mat to make your painting pop on the wall. The best places to hang these paintings? In a bedroom near an armoir or closet, in you daughter's room (we have two in Charlie Mae's room over her dresser and they look great there!), as a part of a gallery wall, or in a small nook in a bathroom. They're so fun! Click on the button below to view the available paintings: The sale pricing will be available today-Friday, July 7th. After that date, all remaining paintings will go back into the "archives" (haha!).
Happy shopping! They're here! My final, celebratory "Dress Collection" prints. Woohoo! Each collection is a limited edition run, with only 10 copies of each print available. All of the prints shown here can be purchased in my Etsy shop, and links, pricing info, and images are below. Thank you (again) for being such fabulous supporters of my A Dress a Day challenge! I'm brewing up some ideas for what I'm going to do next, but don't plan on starting another challenge until January (I need to take a break to settle into my new home, paint all of my Christmas commissions, and get through the holidays). I'll keep you posted on what I decide to do... Until then, happy shopping! These little prints make wonderful holiday presents or housewarming gifts for girly friends ;) [Above] "Jewel Tones" Dress Collection Print 11" x 14" unframed ($25) 14" x 18" framed ($55--your choice of a black or neutral frame) Available here. "Black & White" Dress Collection Print 11" x 14" unframed ($25) 14" x 18" framed ($55--your choice of a black or neutral frame) Available here. "Fiery Patterned Reds" Dress Collection Print 11" x 14" unframed ($25) 14" x 18" framed ($55--your choice of a black or neutral frame) Available here. Also, don't forget about the previously released "Bright Summer Dresses" and "Pink, Black, and Lace Lingerie" Dress Collections! There are still a few of each print available... You can continue to pick up your favorite individual originals for $39 and prints for $8 each ;)
View the FULL dress collection--all 100 dresses, numbered, and in order (!)--here. PHEW. Day 100/Dress #100: "Gull Wing" Striped Dress by Savory (from Anthropologie) Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") Original + 9 limited edition prints available here. This is my LAST reader dress selection and thus, my LAST dress of the challenge!! {I cannot believe that I painted 100 dresses. That's insane.} This is Regina's dress and here's what she had to say about it: I first saw this dress on my birthday shopping trip to Anthropologie a few years ago. I tried it on (even though I knew it was out of my budget) and fell in love. I very reluctantly left the store without it. A few months later, I happened upon the dress again in the sale section of another Anthro store--it was the only one, it was my size, and it was 70% off the original price--meant to be! I snatched it up and have loved this dress ever since :) It's my serendipity dress. Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here.
**Also, I'll be posting a couple of fun, new, Limited Edition "Dress Collection" prints on Monday. Stay tuned!** Day 99/Dress #99: Handmade Vintage Dress (Made by Sandy's Grandmother) Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") Original + 9 limited edition prints available here. Second to last reader dress selection! This is Sandy's dress and here's what she said about it when she submitted it: My Grandmother made this dress and it was in her closet when we cleaned out her house. She probably made it in the 40's or 50's. It is precious to me and I wore it today in honor of her--I feel like she is spending the day with me when I wear it. The pin at the neck was on the dress when I found it in the closet. The buttons on the big pockets are wooden and it has an eyelet lace collar. Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here.
Day 98/Dress #98: Yellow Shirt Dress from Anthropologie Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") 9 limited edition prints available here. {...Aaaaand we're back in action!} As you probably know by now, this is one of the last few reader dress selections--only 2 more to go after today! This is Amanda's dress and here's what she said about it when she submitted it: This dress is a yellow shirt dress from Anthropologie that I wore in my older brother's wedding at a ranch in Mammoth Lakes, California in 2010. I love this dress not only because my little sister and I have the best sister-in-law ever (I don't even like to call her that because some people feel icky about in-laws), but also because this truly is a bridesmaid dress that was worn again. I wear it to work, out to dinner with friends, and on dates with my husband. It's a great reflection of my sister-in-law Katie's sunny style. Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here.
Day 97/Dress #97: Black & White Chevron Dress by LeifNotes (from Anthro) Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. One of the last few reader dress selections! This is Regina's dress and here's what she said about it when she submitted it: I bought this dress for myself for my birthday this past year (the big 2-8 ;)) - No big story behind it other than I freakin' love this dress, have already worn it to three weddings, and feel gorgeous every time I wear it :) It's my happy dress! Yay! I simply adore the side plank pic ;)
Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here. Oh, and by the way, even though I only have 3 dresses left (OMG!), I'm going to have to take a break while we move. I hope to pick back up early next week, once I've unpacked my paintbrushes and watercolor paper in CC (!). Be back to finish up soon... Day 96/Dress #96: Rust Paisley Dress by Venezia Jeans Clothing Co. Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. Yes, this is another reader dress selection! This dress was submitted by Debbie (who lives on Martha's Vineyard, near the Cape!) and here's what she had to say about it: I am submitting this rust, paisley dress because I love the print and its fall colors. I first wore it probably 12 years ago on a cruise with my boyfriend. His daughter was married on the ship and it was a nice trip. I was feeling healthy and "thin" at that time. I think he looked so handsome and proud on that day! This was a tough painting to paint (so many small details!), so I decided to go a bit more sketchy with it ;)
Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here. Day 95/Dress #95: "Empress Garden Dress" from Anthropologie Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. This is Jill's dress (another reader dress selection)--here's what she had to say about it: This is the dress that I wore to my good friend (and fellow TSA yogi!) Laura's wedding. It was such a crazy whirlwind weekend with old friends in town, sharing in the nervous excitement of Laura's wedding, and oh yes, the derecho storm that knocked out power in town all weekend! To me, this dress always reminds me that no matter how crazy things get, friendship and love are always top priorities! :) Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here.
Day 94/Dress #94: White and Orange Dress from The Limited Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2.5" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. This is yet another reader dress selection :) This dress was submitted by Elizabeth R. and here's what she had to say about it: On the hanger this looks a bit wacky, but I really love the way this dress fits and looks on me. Most recently, I wore it for a show at the Kennedy Center and to a bridesmaid luncheon for my best childhood friend. My boyfriend also reminded me that we went to a wedding last year, to which I was planning to wear this dress, but I didn't...and then *gasp* someone else was wearing it! She had good taste ;) Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here.
Day 93/Dress #93: Light Pink Maxi Dress made in Nigeria
Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. Yes, this is another reader dress selection (yay!). This dress was submitted by Laura D. and here's what she had to say about it: This dress was made in Nigeria. My husband is from Nigeria and one way we incorporated it into our wedding was at the rehearsal dinner, where we served Nigerian food and I wore this dress. It's light pink and the skirt makes it really fun to wear! Day 92/Dress #92: Handmade Paper Dress by Whitley Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 8 limited edition prints available here. Another reader dress selection! This dress was submitted by Annie, and it was made by her 10th grade student, Whitley. Here's the story of the dress, in Whitley's words: I started making these dresses when I found a manikin on the side of the road and I begged my mom to go back for it because I knew I was going to do something with it. My sister had always wanted me to make her a dress out of newspaper. I made one, it was great fun, I made another, and this is my third one. I don’t really know how I made it, I just did it. This one took a year to make because I was making it for display to go in my aunt’s shop in North Carolina. She asked me to make it at our family reunion when she saw my second dress, and I worked until about that same time the next year, which was when I finished it. She was so excited; she was almost jumping up and down. It’s worth painting because it’s different. It’s different, it’s not an article of clothing, it’s a sculpture. I like to name my dresses. This one is named Titania, after the fairy in Midsummer Night's Dream. Thank you to the amazing Whitley for sharing your talent with us! I think I hear Project Runway calling... ;)
Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here. Day 91/Dress #91: Bohemian Maxi Dress by Angie
Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. Another reader dress selection, chosen by YOU! This is Alanna's dress and here's what she had to say about it: This is my very favorite summer dress from Mustard Seed, a cute boutique/thrift store in Bethesda, MD. I absolutely love the bright orange color and interesting pattern of this dress--and because I have so many fond memories wearing this dress to backyard barbecues, Jazz in the Garden, the beach, the pool, and on vacations home to California! It's the perfect maxi- just slip it on and run out the door! Day 90/Dress #90: Striped Mustard Yellow Dress from The Limited Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 9 limited edition prints available here. The first reader dress selection--hooray! This is Andrea's dress and here's what she had to say about it: I picked out this mustard yellow/gold dress about 3 years ago for my friend's wedding. Since then it has been to 4 states, 3 weddings and a few other events. I don't think I'll ever stop wearing it. It was love at first sight because... 1) Who doesn't love mustard/gold? It's the universal awesome color! 2) It's got a super sweet party skirt that flows oh-so-nicely when dancing. 3) I feel beautiful in it! Yay Andrea and Taylor (her husband--the man she's dancing with above)!
Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here. Day 89/Dress #89: Black and White Halter Dress from H&M
[I bought this dress from H&M when I was living in NYC--I remember buying it before going out with some new friends because I was really nervous about what I should wear. I've worn it many times since, but I think I'll always associate it with feeling self-conscious...funny how clothing can remind us of those sorts of feelings, too, huh? ] Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 10 limited edition prints available here. Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here. *Also, in case you missed my note about the reader dress contest, here's the scoop: The top 10 dresses have been chosen (and actually, it ended up being 11, because somehow I labeled two dresses as #39, and 39 won, so I'm painting both!). Starting tomorrow, I'll be revealing the chosen reader dresses--one day at a time--as I paint them ;) I'm excited to share the winners with you!! Day 88/Dress #88: Flowered Dress by Eight Sixty
[An old dress that I bought at the Flagship Macy's in NYC...] Watercolor sketch on paper Image approx. 5" x 2" (paper is 9" x 6") Original and 10 limited edition prints available here. Learn more about this daily painting project + view a gallery of the paintings here. ***Today is the last day to cast your vote for the 10 reader dresses that you want me to paint!* So exciting! I cannot wait to see which ones win :) |
HELLO!I'm Mary Catherine, a Cape Cod-based yoga teacher, painter, designer, writer, mom, and list-maker extraordinaire. My goal is to inspire you to start living a more creative, simple, joyful, + purposeful life.
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