I ain't no lamb

I have decided a new name, means new art.

And a new home to put it in.

So I'm shedding my skin here and moving on. I may be just a spec in the net spectrum but I thought I'd give ya'll a heads up.

I love you but goodbye as Langhorne would say; thanks to any fair-weather friends who would poke their noses in once in a great while.

When my new sites are up and rolling I'll throw up a link to entertain any curiosities you may have of "Oh yeah what happened to that girl?Did she ever make it?"

I made it in ways I never knew I could.

Now every February, you'll be my valentine

Been gone for a while now. Just a little catch up if you don't mind:

} The Holidays were great to us. We hosted our first legit gathering for New Years Eve; children everywhere playing, lots of food and good times.

} I received tickets to the Ann Arbor Folk Festival and it was amazing! All artists were very enjoyable but I was so excited to see Anais Mitchell live, she is such a breathe of fresh air and a free thought to the music/ folk industry.

Most importantly, The Avett Brothers headlined and were like a fix of some kind. I feel like I am only moving through the times 'til the next live show. Unbelievable. Joy.

} { I have been having a lot of "Holden Caulfield" moments these days. A lot revolving around a certain social network, partially due to the big bang and re emergence of the "folk" bands on the Grammy's. I felt like a proud mama when these boys stepped out with Bob Dylan but couldn't help but feel over protective of them. Wanting to not just disregard the critics, but shield off all them phonies who don't see past a snappy tune. I FEEL this music, this band on such a personal level it's unreal. I've walked with them, screamed at their shows, and have

tirelessly played their albums on repeat to the tune of my life since we were living in NC.

When I went into bed that night and laid to see Aaron's eyes barely open, he said something so sweet. I told him no one gets it. And he said to me, " We came for salvation, we came for family, we came for all that's good that's how we'll walk away..remember?" PERFECT.

} Probably the best and most exciting news..

I am going to be MRS. CARY!

} { I will try to be brief but it was the most romantic and sensational night of my life.

It was our 5 year anniversary (see previous post) and I thought we were going to a restaurant on the corner to celebrate. Aaron had a destination programmed in the GPS as *1 so I couldn't tell where we were headed. We ended up in Detroit, at Jacoby's for dinner- which has a big significance to our relationship and is our favorite place to go in the city. Afterwards, I thought we were heading home, but he chooses *2 which took us to a theatre in Dearborn for the new Chronicles of Narnia film (The first was our very first date exactly 5 years ago). Afterwards I thought for SURE we are going home now, but nope, he hits *3 and we were off again. Pulling back into downtown Detroit I thought oh fun we are going to that cute pastry shop we love in Greektown. Aaron pulls next to the Renassaince Center and says " Here we are, I reserved a room weeks ago". I was so shocked. It was unbelievably gorgeous. We were on just about the top floor, as soon as you walked in the room the whole wall was a window looking out on the river all lit like a dream. I was in awe of the lights when he said "Kaylen," I turned around and Aaron was down on one knee. :)

This was a view from our room in the morning. I am smiling now thinking about it.

So here we are today- planning a wedding!

July 23rd 2011

It will be small, intimate, and perfect.

All the details are coming together now effortlessly after a few mishaps here and there. I am ecstatic to be his wife, and am so in love.

Hope you had a great Valentines day and felt love from your friends and family!

XOXOXO

Kay

Family Portrait for Vicki

Just finished up this painting I have been working on for the holiday. I hope this may give their family some peace through their loss this Christmas season. I enjoyed working on it for them!

5 years ago today, I took a chance on this crazy boy with long hair and huge sunglasses who was always napping in the fitting room. I fell in love with him after a night of Narnia and The Doors "Riders on the Storm" on repeat. I LOVE YOU AARON-HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Enjoy the last few moments before Christmas is here!

For Vikki

This is my progress so far on the family portrait I was commissioned for. It is the first monotone painting I have done since my very first painting at CCS! I am trying to have this finished in the next few days because there are only 10 days until Christmas!!

This is our first Christmas tree together :)

She's a little wobbly, but I adore it. Thanks to my sister Ashley for donating all of the decor within our apartment this year. And a big thanks to my dear friend, Vanessa who hand-made Aaron and my stockings! (click on the link for pics!). We are brimming with holiday cheer in our little space.

I would also like to add how deeply I love/appreciate my family, extended family, friend-family and coworkers. With recent events I have been reminded how precious our time together is, and I am so thankful for each and every one of you. I would like to say thank-you to John (17) who's life although short, has left a tremendous impact on so many. He has opened my eyes indefinitely.

Love,

Kaylen

Blessed

He's Here!

Jackson David Timothy Campbell

7 lbs. 13 oz.

My sweet new nephew!

Born last night, Nov. 29th.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I am so in love with the holiday season.

I'm walking a different highway

This is my set for Racheal!

8"x10"

Not sure what to name the duo yet. I am going to try to edit the rendered tail a little more when it dries. I'll post more accurate and complete photos to my website soon. Hope she likes them!

Baby, I'd take a nine to five for you.

I can't believe it is already mid November!

A lot has been happening lately, the minutes are melting away.
I now work constantly as the holiday season is heating up.
My nephew Jackson is almost here! 13 more days if my sister makes it that long.
Halloween was a good time as always, I was a fairy.
I helped throw a baby shower for Ashley.
Now I am just bustling through a few commission gigs for the holidays!

This one is for Racheal!
She is a coworker and new friend to Aaron and I out here in Shelby Township, and made a request on a couple paintings. I am repainting "Enlighten Me" on a larger canvas, and this time making a counterpart for him. A red fox! I am very excited and awaiting getting sketches approved before moving on. These two paintings I will have done in time for Thanksgiving.


Another painting I am working on is a family portrait for a client. It is a four person portrait that will be antiqued. This one is going to be more challenging, and I will have to finish a week before Christmas at least. Very busy!

On a more somber note, my sweet, little hometown has hit the news nationwide this week. A family I grew up with has been struck with tragedy and our entire community is shocked, mourning, and praying. I don't really want to feed into the sensationalism of the situation, but I am asking if you are the praying kind to pray for their healing. More and more we are seeing children taking their own lives and the lives of others. It is a rising epidemic in our country. Use this as a teaching moment to enrich your family with a love for humanity.

KAYLEN'S HOLIDAY SHOP IS OPEN! :D

I am livin' the dream.
At least that's what my retail friends and I refer to as making a means to support your dreams.
With that said I have el zero dinero so everyone gets handmade gifts yay!

This one is for my sister Nicole. Her birthday is thursday. Happy Birthday Nic!
It is of her Great Dane Daisy, who met her untimely end a few weeks ago. RIP Daisy.


Admitedly these are terrible pictures so I will have more to come.
Good Night!

Kay

50

Today is my Dad's 50th birthday!
My sibs and I had been planning a surprise party for him for months, and last night the party was finally here. It was a good time, a few set backs, but all in all a good turn out. My dad was excited and surprised for sure. This was officially my first gathering I have hosted and am kinda proud of myself I must say :)

Boy, I've never loved one like you

"Well, hot and heavy, pumpkin pie, chocolate candy, Jesus Christ

There ain't nothing please me more than you."

Hope everyone had a great sweetest day/ weekend!

Gaga

"Lady Gaga"

36"X 48"

I am so excited to say Lady Gaga is finished! She has been on my back-burner for sadly a year now. Signing the bottom of a painting is such a wonderful feeling. This was a commissioned piece for my friend and co-worker Karl. Karl also works a million odd jobs and thankfully was understanding and patient with the process. I hope he likes it. I am very pleased with how the issues such as the necklace, lace, and feathers resolved. I don't think I have ever done a painting with so many challenges together. I'm usually a straight portrait kinda gal- but this was a good feeling to accomplish.

Aaron came home with this lovely package for me today! The Avett Brother's brand new Live Volume 3 DVD, CD, bandana, and t-shirt (missing). Happy early Sweetest Day to me! So I have been watching/ listening all afternoon. Life is so good today.

Oh, I thought you knew..

Happy Oktober friends. It is most definitely fall and I adore the first few weeks of authentic fresh air and a change of color. But we know what's next, so I'll cherish these next couple weeks a little more dearly.

We. have. a. Home.

I am so +positive now.

This is Raspberry. She is pretty chill.

L- Rosalie R- Pina (like the colada)

Our seasoning kittens.

Aaron and I are still kind of figuring it all out. Call me lame, but I know this is true. The past challenges were what made this possible. I feel so humbled and alive.

I am starting to get into the swing of the new jobs- sales in Auburn Hills, nannying at home, contingent beauty advisor in Port Huron, and last but not least freelance artist. Somehow it all comes together like a patchwork quilt.

Falyn and Jaes teach me so much, I should be paying them for our days together.

This is my studio room/ the kids room/ guest room. I am ready to start some more commission pieces shortly!

The kids do well in the space. Jaes likes to play in my cupboards.

Everyday we have Wizard of Oz marathons. Falyn is obsessed with the movie, it is all she talks about. She found my red high heels, and wears her "ruby slippers" all day.

Hopefully I will have some more work to post within the week. Now my dream of high speed internet has unfolded, haha, so much more posts from me. Be prepared.

Love,

Kaylen

Post Script:

My favorite song right now. So piercingly honest, it breaks my heart. It inspires me to be more honest and show myself in what I produce without fear.

I'll never be the same again

It has been a long time since I have been able to update.

I am making my way through this reality somehow.

In 2 weeks Aaron and I are moving to the city.

This leaves me a little broken hearted because I so dearly love waking up to billowing fields outside my bedroom window. And even if it's brief, I treasure scrawling home after 10-12 hour shifts at dusk watching the deer peak out of the woods around every bend of the hills. Summer is coming to an end and so is this chapter of my life.

This song by the Avett Brothers is everything this feels like to me and more. I relate to it's content so much it's almost painful to listen to.

So I hope this means more artwork. And by hope I mean I am dying inside for it. I am happy, I am loved, I am moving forward.

Kaylen

1 0 0

According to blogger, this is my 100th post. So hooray for that. I am making a conscious decision to include anyone interested into my mind from now on within my artwork and influences. Basically more blogging. I took these pics with my new camera that I am learning to use :) Don't let the rain get ya down; go get creative.

Here is a very creative fellow from across the pond who writes amazing folk music:

Johnny Flynn

xoxox kay

This is the final ink drawing I ended up doing for my friend Lizzy. I am very happy with how it turned out. There are some subtle sensitive line qualities that you can't really tell in the image (once again...photobooth). I hope she likes it too! Here is the photo I chose to work from:

My time on the river is sadly coming to a close this week..

Today Aaron and my sister Ashley gave me my birthday gift early and it was a CAMERA!!! I am so excited! So this means no more horrendous photobooth shots any more I promise!

Have a beautiful night

xoxo Kay

And They'll Carry Us Away

I am completely and utterly exhausted..

I work along the border of Canada and Michigan, and I should probably thank those Sarnia, Ontario citizens for keeping our businesses afloat and stimulating our economy.

I am looking into flipping my jobs around or at least placing more importance on some rather than others. Changes can be scary.

Come Dec. 4th, I will be an aunt again :)

This post may have no relevant art image attached to it, but I am heavily working on several projects. So stop judgin'.

More importantly, it is MAY! My favorite month. The beginning of sunshine and warm weather and my birthday :)

Well I have to be getting to my 2nd job of the day... Nathaniel Rateliffs' cd has been released and you can listen to it for free : here.

{ There was a Professor of mine once in college, while I was having a particularly hard time, who actually yelled at me once saying "Speak up! You need to realize what you have to say is important and relevant and stop hesitating and judging yourself as not worthy," I didn't appreciate it then, but I do now. I think more artists should put more of themselves into what they do. I guess that is my justification for these past posts, in case anyone needed one.}

I saw you in a different light, you saw me just the same

Final pencil before ink.

I am excited to be starting some freelance work today also.

Happy Thursday.

If love is a game, girl then you're gonna win

This is part 1 of a pen and ink drawing I will be finishing shortly for our dear friend Lizzy in North Carolina. There are some really great line qualities in the clothing the couple are wearing that I am going to play with. Buying the paper tonight to start the ink! I have 3 other works to complete after this, not including Gaga. I love doing pieces for others, so feel free to contact me on anything you have in mind :)

kaylenconleystudio@gmail.com

This past weekend it was 80 degrees and then snowing here in Michigan. Aaron left for St. Lucia the day my younger, bigger brother Tim came home from Georgia. We got to spend a little bit of time together before he headed back down south and squeezed in a couple rounds of Trivial Pursuit. It is our new tradition we do together- mostly because no one else will play. I like to think we are just so amazing that they are all intimidated by our mind powers of useless information.

the sibs: myself, ashley, nicole, timmy

Did we just become best friends?!

Aaron and I have the same birthday (real life) and we unanimously decided a Step Brothers theme is in order for the momentous occasion. It started out as coworkers quoting the movie constantly at work to now I feel as though everything in life is relative to Step Brothers.

"I once strangled a giraffe with my bare hands!"

I am going to be 24 and it makes me feel really old. Especially since my career is still in repair.

Also, previously mentioned musician Nathaniel Rateliff of which I enjoy has a free download of a fantastic song: "Early Spring Till"

For some reason, I can not find any of his music online that even remotely resembles what he played at the Ark. So I have high hopes for his album coming out 4-27.

Yeah, I have been painting...unfortunately I don't have a camera to shoot my progress. Lady Gaga is finally getting to a place where I don't want to light her on fire. The painting that is.

The pics are using photobooth so they aren't the greatest..but HOPEFULLY this project will be done within a week or so.