Joadthetoad

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Sketches to start new work on holding several things at the same time. Just realizing how we humans hold many things at the same time like love/anger, hope/fear, joy/anxiety, creativity/unsuredness, want/lack..gratitude/anxiety…

09/04/2026

“Birds of a Feather” is a whimsical painting 24”x24”. It makes a room feel upbeat and full of joy. I picture it completing a special child’s bedroom, office waiting room or family room needing just that special something to complete a wonderfully welcoming spot to land! This painting is available now with easy shipping ASAP. please DM me for purchase details and bring this piece into your home.!

08/31/2026

This paint and collage piece is one of my recent pieces..The white paint makes me feel like spirit-energy winding through life. This is actually 10”x8” but I enlarged it so you can get a closer look! Currently available at Manos Gallery, studio 9 housed in the fascinating Aluminum City Arts building in New Kensington. So much creativity going on in that facility from multiple studio/ mini galleries to an upcoming theater, ballet company, event space, monthly themed group shows and solo shows.. so much energy and opportunity for both artists and the public!! Located at 200 Freeport Road, New Kensington 15068.

08/24/2026

Birds Unite. Look how a mat and frame now pull my eye into the work? Frames shouldn’t distract and pull the viewers’ eye away from the work!

08/24/2026

This quick little painting is a good example of how I use my phone to check value and contrast. Putting it through filters on my cell until it is monochromatic simplifies the work and makes it easy for me to check: do I have a variety of values, does their placement move my eye around the piece or keep me stuck, have I used some repetition to create cohesion, is there a bit of the unexpected? The birds emerged first and I could have left them at that but the repeated eye shapes throw in a bit of humor, oddity? For me it is the one ingredient that keeps this from being way “too cute”. BTW our eye sees value and contrast before color..really!
mini

08/23/2026

You may not know it but creativity runs throughout my entire family. My daughter is a ceramic artist in Florida and also created and runs Community Clay Connections, a nonprofit that uses clay and art as a modality for healing in a variety of settings from schools to memory care facilities. This is one of her beautiful pieces, entitled “Fall”. I am so proud of the work that she’s doing.!

08/22/2026

Ever feel like you are with good friends but lack the oomph to be part of the celebration? All ingredients are there but your heart and energy aren’t in the moment? That’s what showed up as I painted this. My work often shows the human condition and how we can hold several emotions at the same time, often resulting in a dichotomy.. which to believe? What “should” be felt or the authenticity behind it all? This painting is 36”x40” and available for purchase. DM me for details.

08/21/2026

some of you may not know that my son and daughter-in-law own Baby Loves Tacos on Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield, Pa. I am so fortunate to work with them several days a week helping in their business and hanging out with my grandson who goes to Charter School and his own little study space at the shop. Great memories as I often see a former students from my teaching days as well as locals who come in for the wonderful food on a regular basis. Creativity in everything.
Baby Loves Tacos

08/21/2026

I have created these heat resistant potholders using original designs from my narrative art practice. I think everything should be interesting to our eyes, even everyday tasks! Follow me on www.jodyshellart.com to see my paintings and DM me for quick info on picking up several potholders for gifts! They are $12 a piece and quickly sent out for you!!! Thanks for your interest!!