Camera and Canvas

A Love Gift

2011-11-11T17:44:00.000-06:00

Just sent off a piece I did last week to a precious "adopted" daughter (college friend of my daughter's). I got to know her and love her in college, get to meet (and approve of course!) her love, and now she's a mom. That in itself was such an inspiration for me to paint something for them. First there was one, then two...now there's 3. It's amazing what comes out of an artist when there's love involved. This was difficult to get a good photo, so that's a shame, but the mediums I used caused some crazy reflections with a camera. On the 12x36 titan buff canvas I used glass bead gel with some pearl overlay on the ONE TWO 3. The birds are just happy colorful birds. Cobalt, turq., coral, copper, quin crimson....so fun.

Learning Curves

2011-11-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Settling into my bent is free and peaceful. Focusing on texture, shape and color -- how easy and creative and simple my work has become. No more fretting, no more frustration with my work. Each piece has been experimental and educational.

This latest piece comes after "breath of God" and is just working. I'm having fun with it, especially after I came up with the preliminary title "Parking Garage." On Thursday mornings I volunteer at our university's art museum www.blantonartmuseum.org then, in the afternoon I work with the homeless in a fabulous effort with www.artfromthestreets.com At both locations I maneuver a parking garage....going round and round and round and sometimes up and then down again! Since I was searching for a title for my piece to get over the last hump, I could only laugh as I did this twice in one day at least 16 revolutions! Doing this circular piece....well it just fit at the time!

This piece has been full of experimenting with (1) my hand dyed papers, (2) petroleum jelly, (3) found rusted objects, (4) glazes, (5) handmade templates, (6) charcoals, and my MOST favorite (7) self-leveling tar gel. The trick to using all these methods and have it not just be a big mess, is the uniter of glazing and the tar gel. The crazy trick - which I usually don't have a problem with! -- is knowing how to and wanting to quit! So hence the new title "learning curves."

Miracles do Happen...

2011-09-02T16:25:00.000-05:00

Oh the joy and encouragement of finishing this triptych. Started such a while ago, but focusing entirely on it, and finishing it, pushed me as an artist and help me get to where I have so wanted to be voice wise. I have not let the tyranny of the urgent, or the next bright shiny object (a term from my A.D.D. coach) or another unfinished piece lure me in. I had fun, had direction and the encouragement and eyes of my studio mates (aka Nancy and Lindy!!) and today at precisely 4:00 p.m. they are signed and hung. Breath of God 1, 2 and 3. Now I feel I can breathe!

I worked primarily with titan buff, white, and iridescent metallics. The satin background gave it a balance with the textural neutrals. The added rusted metals, patina'ed coppers and other "Home Depot" art, it has the balance, texture and color that pleases me greatly.

Thanks for looking....

Progress!

2011-08-04T11:48:00.000-05:00

Taking a diversionary break from studying color -- but it's amazing, how remembering how valuable color/design/texture is in my work, I have to continually reevaluate each piece carefully. Absolutely LOVING working big again. I think it's just where I need to be. The smaller I work, the more derailed and intricate I get. There's nothing more fun than stepping back from a large piece and seeing the answers that you're looking for standing up close. So fun.

Evaluate 3 24x48 pieces......

then, clean up, uncluttered...........focused on right turquoise piece....flipped it

something's still off.....

oooh, love the balance, texture.......

almost done!!

Morning notes, reviewing a book on color

2011-07-30T11:20:00.000-05:00

In the area of my art, managing this ADD has really been enerizing, empowering and fun. I completely purged my studio to contain nothing but what is reflected in my vision for my work this year. Texture/color/balance is where I'm heading. Sounds quite simple, but I realized that my studio contained and a lot of my work reflected little of that.

So to storage a lot went!

A good place to start is working hard at your craft and always learning. I've got an amazing library in my studio and realized I haven't really plunged deeply into any of those books. (typical ADD) In fact, in organizing Friday, I had TWO of the same book. Oh well, my friends love it when that happens, 'cause they get my hand me downs!!

A second step to take is "which part of my vision do I want to hone first?" Color. Why not? I've never really had a hard time choosing colors, but think with more intentionality, my work will take a huge turn. These colors will be MINE and my work will reflect that. (Recently I was in a yummy Kimpton hotel, and there on the shelf was my first palette for honing! (see photo) a delicious coral/pumpkin, red violet, crimson medium and yellow/kiwi tubes of girl stuff.)

Beginning with Nita Leland's book Confident Color-an artist's guide to harmony, contrast and unity seemed like the perfect kicking off review. I set my timer for one hour (otherwise, I'd miss lunch and forget to let the dog out!) After I got into it, I realized it'll probably take several weeks of really pouring over it and reviewing it here. It has a lot of wonderful information in it.

www.nitaleland.com

For the first chapter, here are my take aways (I think this'll always be my direction with at least this review because there's so much great stuff in this book that relates to so many artists in different ways. But by giving my spin on it for my work year, I still highly recommend it.

OK, here are my 5 takeaways on chapter 1:

Use your color wheel!
Develop my personal color palette(s)
Get a Speedball color wheel palette. This'll definitely visually help the above 2!
Establish how I use color. It will be either for emotion or expression of design rather than value or light.
Especially interested in establishing triad (choices in the triangle shape of the wheel-orange then violet and green), split complementary (one color choice, then color on either side of it's complement-yellow, then red violet/blue violet) and split primary (cool/warm of each of the primary colors-either red/yellow/blue or yellow/cyan/magenta) palettes.

It's so great when wonderful artists like Nita bless us with books, websites and blogs http://nitaleland.blogspot.com

Next best thing to having a mentor in your studio!

A.D.D. and this Artist!

2011-07-26T15:12:00.002-05:00

Just consulted with an ADD coach this morning and am raring to go. Just recently I was diagnosed with (for real!) Attention Deficit Disorder. For those of you who know me personally will be a little surprised by that. I seem relatively calm, love to be organized (cannot stay that way) and am not a big talker. None of these traits are on "the list." However, I've learned over the years to compensate for those things going rampant inside of me that I hate. So far it's worked pretty well, but the frustration especially in my studio just got to me. I'm all over the map artistically and therefore rarely finish anything. Love a particular genre, then either get bored with it or don't have the skills I need/want and move on. My studio could probably function just fine with half the square footage if I pitched things like this! Even though I now have the tag "ADD-er" I'm really excited to know there's a cause for my crazy ideas/thoughts/blurts/inconsistency. I've alway said that I "live inside my head" and know now why. Now to reroute the craziness and use these creative gifts I have in an effective way. A coach (mine: Bonnie Mincu www.thrivewithadd.com) will give tools, ask directing questions, encourage and hold me accountable to fine tuning this piston spark that's always shooting off!

First thing, I've been asked to write my vision for my life as an artist. OK. OK. Wait. How do I define vision!? Do I cross my legs, pinch my fingers and see what shows up inside my scrambled brain? Do I just come up with sort of a bucket list of all the fabulous things I could do as an artist? Usually, I just hit the studio and see what happens. OK. Google it girl.

A vision must be definitive (must deeply resonate with me), be specific (I am striving to be...., no ambiguity, not necessarily attainable/always learning) and prescriptive (able to evaluate opportunities with my art - online only? local?) Vision is a lens that I must look through to evaluate any actions I take.

This blog may take a completely new turn now so for those of you who are in this same boat, stay with me! Let me hear from you and how you struggle or how you compensate! But more than likely it'll still be a little all over the map, 'cause I already have a fun idea brewing.......

Art Crisis

2011-04-29T17:20:00.001-05:00

No photos today. No art today. Nothing visually to share or at least journal today, but feeling like there's something on the horizon. I've been encouraged by other artists who boldly reach out to another artist. Other artist bloggers who dare to offer critique, encouragement. When it's someone you've never met, you never know how they'll respond, but these 2 artist bloggers (Laurie Pace and Debbie Lincoln*)did just that. They offered their ideas, their experience, their critique. It caused a lovely avalanche of thought, changes, ideas and courage.
*I'll post their blogs manana.

I've also been consolidating all my art notes from lots of workshops, artists, DVDs, etc. Culling and keeping only that which applies to the direction I'm in now. Which I have to laugh, it's a very divergent path, but at least it only has about 5 forks in the road, but hey, I'm getting somewhere. Problem is that I love so much dabbling in many different genres, that I think I've not really honed any of them in an excellent manner.

Robert Burridge is one that I've listened to and have been encouraged by his words. "Paint what you know and have a sense of urgency when you paint." So instead of diving into another project, I have been organizing and considering WHAT it is I know. What life experiences have I had that can be poured into my work. Consistently, varying and with an original WOW factor. He also encourages artists to pick a theme (word, idea, design) and do 3-6 in a series, maybe all day, but that really ties into Leonardo da Vinci's words "Test knowledge through experience, be prepared to make mistakes and be persistent about it." I've been "failing" a lot lately and learning so much more about my substrates, my brushes, my glazes, etc. I'm becoming intimate with my tools and that's where the confidence, the brashness, the freedom to create What I Know.

I have a feeling next week is going to be a good one!

Baby Steps and Divergency

2011-04-20T11:40:00.003-05:00

Just got back from the framers and taking baby steps to get some of my pieces sold. I have 2 places here in town that I'm going to approach. Figured I've just go to move! But I am so proud of these pieces - 5 framed and 8 matted and in a portfolio. They are titled and priced. What if...oh no.....rejection? I know that my pieces are good and it may be that the venue that I'm approaching is not right for either them or me. I'll just keep plugging away. I'm really excited and ready! These pieces are personal in their composition and meaning to me. They evoke a smile, a memory, a place, a fear overcome....

Taos
11x17
$175

soul music
8.5x16
$85

power
16x24
$225

joy
9x13
$85

looking up
19X23
SOLD

Creative Consistency

2011-03-30T16:29:00.000-05:00

"Consistency without creativity can be monotony.

Creative without consistency is fragmented.

An artist who can't make up her mind leaves her viewer confused and feeling pointless."

I read this quote. Had to sit on it for a while, but it made sense for ME. Being a divergent thinker, it was music to my soul.

I can be consistent in a subject matter, but creative and varied mediums.
If I am consistent in the subject matter, but have it always in the same color palette -- monotony.
I can be consistent in a subject matter, but from different vantage points and have some value for the viewer.

I can be all over the map with lots and lots of mediums/styles and genres, but no consistency and leave my viewer (or my mind!) fragmented.

This is the icing to the answer to the "prayer meeting" I had with Gwen Fox this last fall. (Sometimes it takes me a while to grab hold of a concept!)

I'm working on two pieces right now simultaneously with similar palettes and movement, but different styles - realistic and mixed media. They both work and seem to be from the same artist! Obviously still in progress, but things are clicking along....

If you read this blog, would you bless me with a comment? I love hearing from you viewers. Any input is valued.

Blind Leading the Blind

2011-03-18T11:42:00.001-05:00

OK, the first thing I think we do is put the wax in the tuna cans and melt it.
But DON"T add the damar crystals until AFTER the wax melts, otherwise, you have a hard crystallized mess. Trial and error. Lovely.

Melt chunks of plain beeswax at 225 degrees.

Nancy's genius first piece (above). Love it.

Our crazy, messy, fun work space. I think she was the neater, me, well...... Paint with wax, etch, layer with papers, cut with tools, stencils, charcoal, stamps.....I very seriously doubt we were doing it "according to Hoyle" but we did get our feet wet and really think we'll continue. Probably with a lot more knowledge hands on so the how to journals make sense!

Our evil looking carving tools....but fun and necessary!

My attempts. Not too bad!

Coming up to Breathe

2011-03-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've been diving in with all fours lately and just playing around with whatever strikes my fancy. I was really drawn to recycle one piece (too bad I ditched the original photo 'cause the transformation (left) was vivid and sharp in color and energy.) layering a piece (still in process) after working with the Art fromt the Streets one day last week.

After I finished the "fish" piece, I was doing my 3.5 mile morning walk and listening to Mercy Me's "Coming Up to Breathe." Bingo. That's the title for my piece. I've been being transformed lately and that song and that piece helped everything come into place. I love really being deep and hunkered down and alone, but sometimes one just needs to come up for air. To be refreshed and wiggle around. Breathing deep, loading up with fresh air and preparing to dive down deep again. Such a gift for me that morning.

A little Adele, Brett Dennen, a little David Cook, Jackie Bristow....

2011-03-11T16:26:00.000-06:00

Oh it's so peaceful in my studio today. The weather here in Austin is amazing. Got all the windows and doors open to my studio. Got my iPod on with amazing music....feel so chilled out! Spent the morning at our local university art museum (albeit worldclass!) to hunker down into volunteering there and spreading my wings in learning more about other artists, genres, cultures. Can't wait. Selfishly it's just another way for me to be inspired and continue to paint intuitively.

Just jumped in when I got home. and here's my progress. Not thinking and going on my gut. Intuitive painting just works better, eliminates rules, fears. It's simply spontaneous and pure pleasure. Would be fun to do a series of....bubbles, movement.....wait.........that's not spontaneous. I'm planning ahead of myself again.......! Silly. Gonna be a good Spring Break week - painting, kayaking....life is good my friend.

Inspiration in New Places

2011-02-25T15:52:00.000-06:00

I just started working with Art from the Streets (AFTS) here in Austin and am absolutely loving it! It's an amazing ministry, but I feel like I'm the one being blessed. These folks just show up, get out their paint, their paper, their brushes and HIT it for 3 hours. They are faithful 2x a week. It all culminates in a big show (90% of the proceeds go to them) in the late fall. It's huge and very successful.

Oftentimes, I come in to my studio and just stare at the canvas, or wait for inspiration, or.........you understand. Today, I just pulled things out, finished them, re-did them and had such fun. I had the plumber here, my housekeeper, the dogs barking at the lawn guys..........seeming chaos, but I was so into the work, that I didn't get haywire.

Sometimes, I feel this blog is for me only, but what the heck, here's what I finished/worked on today.........

Art in Everyday Celebrations

2011-02-25T14:39:00.000-06:00

The trio at it again!

Lonni had a palette in Taos that was even fabulous! So......

We celebrated her birthday this weekend with that very image of her palette on our "bowling shirts" while we tried to beat the boys at our local fancy bowling alley "High Ball." We did not succeed in beating the guys, but as you can see we had a blast and celebrated appropriately with margaritas at Maudie's.

Good times.

Good friends.

Life's Fears and Encouragements

2010-12-08T20:47:00.000-06:00

Today came in such contrast to yesterday. Tuesday was a little rough and put a fair dent in my creative process. I just kinda shut down. BUT I was reading in my quiet time that morning that His presence overrides everything I experience. That translates to the good and the bad. Evenly distributed throughout the day I remembered those words, that encouragement and kept my head above water....well, a little higher than that! But I deep inside trusted that there was light at the other side of the tunnel. But believe me, it was DEEP inside. That there was something I needed to learn from this experience.

Then arrived TODAY. My friend, encourager, trusted co-heart and artist spent the day with me in my studio painting, experimenting with our art, talking about intimate things, confessing parenting stories. Many things became clear, prayer was overwhelmingly answered and the art got cranked out. I don't want to overspiritualize this because I know it was a new day, an attitude shift, a time of sweet conversation with a friend, phone calls that touched my heart. But it gave rise to the truth that so many times we let disappointing, or fearful, or bad things dampen our day, our hearts. This simply equals lack of trust. That I don't trust that His presence is enough, that it really does override everything. The buoyancy I feel now, I really hope I will remember this and not have to experience another unproductive, fearful, untrusting day. Stupid, really stupid!

But what FUN I had today cranking it out!

Warming Up Progress

2010-11-24T22:45:00.000-06:00

Oh a very good day.......

AND one ready for framing and hopefully someone's walls....

Warm and Toasty

2010-11-24T09:21:00.000-06:00

Warming up my art, just as I need to warm up my body on these chilly days (yay for this Texas girl!!), is so very peaceful, yet energizing for me. I often come into my studio which I love, and just start playing. Experimenting, laying out objects, creating papers, reviewing, deciding palettes, give me courage, confidence and joy. As an artist, finding your voice is like my Granddaughter Harper finding her little 6 month old voice. The squeals, the giggles, the volume is precious (and I also mean precious like a diamond. Beautiful, rich and rare.) The warming up also gives me a boldness and lately the rebel in me is coming out in the experimenting! I'm having my kitchen remodeled and the leftover scraps of Texas mesquite is finding it's way into some sculptures that I'll post later. Such a lovely layering dimension art gives to my life.

Taos musings.....part three

2010-10-11T13:22:00.000-05:00

Propensities and Passions.

I do have a propensity and a passion for:

Texture

Color

Hospitality

Mixed metals

Contrast

Simplicity

Hence my excitement for doing a series on houses.

The simplicity and focus of one subject matter.

The contrast of no holes barred concepts

& application & translation of house.

The ability to use all sorts of metals, papers,

ephemera in/on the house.

The house. The home where you love on, entertain and are hospitable to friends and family.

Color. Whatever mood or inspiration I'm in. That'll be the color/tone/hue/depth of the house.

Texture. Whether with a palette knife, a Starbucks sleeve,

a found object, a.... whatever.

The house will speak to others about what's inside,

whether or not to come inside,

it's history, it's emptiness, it's fullness, it's sadness, it's joy.

It's about the structure, the humans that touch it,

and the hearts it touches.

Here are a few I've already got going...

the artful house

the house on the rock

memories

remodeling

Just like when I made the selections for the kitchen remodel we're doing right now,

I get excited when I've made the decision that taps into my

PASSIONS and PROPENSITIES.

So simple, yet so profound.

Thank you Gwen for your encouragement and prodding.

Commitment, Curiosity and Work Habits-Taos part 2

2010-10-06T09:40:00.000-05:00

Last night at a gathering a friend told me it takes only 2 weeks to lose something you learn if you don't practice. It's really hard to transition from an amazing experience like Taos to the "real world". My calendar is not a crazy manic one, but one that does have lots of lines filled in. When I was in the moment of painting 5-6 hours a day for 5 days, having my brain on nothing but art/shape/line/composition/color/artists, I really felt I could continue at home in Austin. Oh the energy and excitement! Then I fly home and do laundry, prepare for a kitchen remodel, connect with friends, finish my Bible study, catch up on emails...... and.... ad nauseum. Why can't I incorporate 1/2 of what I experienced in Taos in my own home where I have my own studio?

As Gwen said - Commitment, Curiosity and Work Habits. It's simply a choice. A restructure. A rethinking. For me Work Habits should be #1. Being retired now, I don't have them! It'll be a fun challenge for me to regain them. But the fun and joyful activity of Curiosity (learning and questioning and looking and probing) will be both a challenge and an encouragement for me. Commitment is more like a work habit (it involves Discipline!!) and I know that that is my big question. Once you, Pat, have nailed down your passions, WILL you commit to the work? I really believe the answer is yes, but I still have to look myself in the mirror and ask that question. I can tell by the look in her eyes if she's telling the truth!

Taos....part one

2010-10-04T14:36:00.000-05:00

It's hard to know where to begin with all that I experienced in Taos at the Fine Art Collage and Mixed Media workshop lead by the fabulous artist and teacher, Gwen Fox. So much happened, that I think for the sake of my brain staying somewhat intact, I have to post in sections. This will probably serve as my pre-filter comprehension of my time in Taos, so bear with me.

Initially, I have to give you a bit of of sketch of my traveling companions. So much can be celebrated or ruined on a trip simply by who you travel with. These women, Nancy on the left and Lonni in the center, were simply the perfect traveling buddies. We functioned on time with no laggers. We were relatively neat, but far from anal, in our little casa. We were not picky on where and when we ate. Incredibly low maintenance group of girls. Everyone pitched in as needed. As Nancy said over a very large beer our last day (we all had one, not just Nancy!) that she was amazed that she didn't get irritated with either of us, not once. We laughed 'cause it resonated.

There was laughter....

our port of entry when getting locked out....a few times...

There were challenges, frustrations, energy laden conversations, tears, intimate talks, performances....

These can only be experienced and understood by us 3. But trust me, they are amazing memories.

More tomorrow, when I can get my filter going....

More about art.

More about other artists.

More about art nuggets.

Simply said - a life changed for me.

Taos Here We Come!

2010-09-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

Boy is it time to head for the serene, inspiring, peaceful town of Taos. Going with 2 of my best friends/artist friends this Sunday (Nancy and Lonni). This is simply paradise! Painting together with Gwen Fox our artist instructor and probably 8-9 other friends we haven't met yet! Abstract collage/mixed media. Oh joy!!

www.gwenfox.com

As I've blogged ad nauseum about painting with friends, this is so timely for me. Painting with friends for 4-5 hours seems to hold me for a while, then I to fizzle out. Now painting from 9-4 for 5 solid days. Wow. The artistic adrenaline WILL be flowing. Hold me back!!

I met Gwen on a random email via a group I'm a part of - Mixed Media Collage Artists - and was going to be in her town, so I took advantage of that and met her for a lovely 2 hour breakfast. Learned there that she was having these workshops, and later learned (not from her!) what a rock star she is in her town. Amazing artist and I can't wait to learn from her.

Stay tuned to see wha' hoppens!

Hold on to your Seats!!

2010-09-02T12:55:00.000-05:00

I'm truly shocked at myself that it's taken this long to finish a piece with the subject of "someone" I love dearly--Judah my Corgi mix. He's got such personality and yet the piece just didn't have that reflection. I DO stare at it a lot, but yesterday I got to ponder/stare/contemplate/muse over with my two favorite artist/friend/encouragers in the world. We've been apart for so long because of everyone's silly calendars, but today the stars aligned and we got about 5 hours together.

This piece is more about texture/color/composition/adventure than "saying" something about the subject. Working in this color palette has been fun and challenging. I even found myself dreaming about it last night in how to finish it.

For those of you who aren't family with mixed media....this is about 3-4 layers away from being finished and ready to hang, but the "bones" are here and I'm really happy with it. And since I've taken these pics, it's even morphed more than what you're seeing here. It'll be on a wall by Saturday night!

Love to hear what you think.

It's a Good thing to Recycle!

2010-08-25T12:04:00.000-05:00

Really, really, really, the only reason I go and go and go to FroYoYo (a self serve yogurt place with more toppings than your little ol' heart could wish for) is for their recyclable tubs. SO useful in my studio. Neat, tidy, same size, easy to wash, clean lines.
REALLY.

A Good Way to Start my Studio Day

2010-08-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Not that I'm bored mind you, but it's just a silly fun way to let loose in this delicious place I call my studio, my art room, my atelier....and as my precious husband calls it, Pat's Recovery Room.

My kids have been somewhat nags in the past about my recycling. My retort, it's just too complicated. Well, one year later and I'm finding that "dude, it's NOT that hard!" Actually it's quite fun and all along I've been a recycler, but for the cause of art! I am constantly putting things in my pocket that I've found on the ground, the sleeve from my Starbucks coffee, or just recycling a piece I'm not quite in love with.

Finishing up some pieces today that are definite recycles. Really like them and have some ideas on finishing up "The Jude" with found materials and probably mixed medias like zettiology, collage and glazes. Glazes are that delicious way of layering up a piece to give it dimension, mystery, liveliness. I'm still not where I need to be in really believing that, but getting closer. The freedom of laying stuff down, washing over, glazing over, adding, changing is amazing. Now if I could just get that from the head to the heart! Saying all this with a huge grin at myself!

Inspired today by Degas

2010-07-17T13:17:00.000-05:00

"Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things."

I've again let life get in the way of my creating art. The passion, the drive, the inspiration has just not been there. Blogging about one's life is a bit dicey sometimes. You're throwing raw stuff out there for total strangers to read and maybe not understand. Art is just in my DNA. I fight it. I'm drawn to it. I struggle with it. I can't get enough of it.

I see things that are unique to me. Things that most people would miss. Incredibly attracted to texture, assymetry, warm rich colors. Yet I get stuck. I neglect. I work too fast and get too frustrated. I don't just throw caution to the wind. That's when it happens for me. That's when it's fun. I'm too interested in what others think rather than how it makes me feel. Or what's not happening to get me going. Which reminds me of a quote by an artist with the last name Ford. "Painting to please the soul, the mind and the eye, but not the ego." If it's the ego, you are trying to please others and hear their applause. I need to hear my heart's applause and the applause of the Creator God who gave me this gift, this DNA.

Today I want to "dip my brush in my own soul and paint what is my nature." (paraphrased from a Harriett Beecher Stowe quote.

Heading now outdoors with lunch, a cool drink, my journal, my latest Somerset Studio magazine and my new Painting without a Brush book by David Ferry..........yum

Stay tuned and see wha' happens.........and those of you reading this -- DO make sure I follow up!

I'm Surrounded by Inspiration!

2010-07-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

Just got back from an amazing trip to the British Virgin Islands on the island of Virgin Gorda. At first I was just soaking up the sunshine, water, and light, relaxed humor of the locals. Then as I relaxed more I was struck by the things around me that needed to be documented and/or translated into a piece of art. Sometimes just the photo is enough, other times it needs to be communicated in various ways on canvas. The gentleness of everything I saw was powerful to my head, my heart and my senses. I have to admit that being home has been difficult. That's nuts because I live in a beautiful home with one of the most beautiful backyards in Austin, yet I hunger to be back on the beach surrounded by turquoise/navy/pthalo green waters. Here are some eye candy ready to be translated....

Basquiat and Hope

2010-06-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

I worked some more on the "mess" piece with my head and heart in the prayer direction of my friend starting over, getting better, just adding life and/or color. Thought of the street artist Basquiat and was really feeling peaceful about doing this today.

I do choose to hold on to hope.

My Morning of Art and Prayer

2010-06-14T12:08:00.000-05:00

This morning began with me getting my art "sea legs" back on. I decided to work/experiment on an intuitive painting on paper. Disposable. Just play. Started with a dark payne's gray and just started moving. Then it became too dark, too muddled. Then I added gesso - stark white, mixing some with the blackishness of the gray. I reminded myself that I was just warming up, then I was overwhelmed with the anguish of a family we know and have been praying for for such a long time. An addiction is swirling this friend into such a dark ugly place, that we are all helpless. On this side, we see hope, crave it, want our friend to embrace it. There's been beauty and life and wealth in the friend's world.

Holding on is hard. This disposable paper received my sadness, my helplessness and became my act of prayer. I know that the only One who can pull him up and out of the abyss is God. God's fingerprints are all over this tragedy. He can redeem. He can save. Will we see that on this side of heaven? Our desperation, our layers of prayer, hope, fear are everywhere. But I cannot help but continue to hope and not let it fade. I will pitch this or tear it up simply because it's not "art" but it has been a physical cathartic prayer to the only One who can heal him. (So often when I'm working on a piece, it starts to look like crap, I just want to pitch it and start on another piece, but I'm reminded of what I've taught and encouraged others to do -- press on, keep layering, cover it with something better -- do not give up.)

YES, it's a mess -- so many of the blessings have been covered over by ugliness and pain, but God CAN wash it all clean and make it alive and beautiful again. We start out on such good footing, but if we're not holding on fast to Him, we slip and fall and get pretty bunged up. BUT He is waiting. He IS holding out his hand to pull up and out.

"FAITH is a bird that feels the light and sings when dawn is still dark."
Rabindranath Tagore
1861-1941

Art, prayer and story to be continued...

Back Home

2010-06-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

I'm finally back home. Gone 3 1/2 weeks! It's a little tough this morning to get back into my old routine, my real time life. I'm surrounded by beauty here and have an amazing studio space to work in, yet I'm really dragging my heels this morning. So many ideas and plans in my head. I visited Sabrina Ward Harrison's blog last week and am so longing to pull a big 24x48 surface into my back yard and just have fun with a piece...on the grass....splattering paint everywhere....be inspired by my surroundings or my last 3 1/2 weeks in Missouri. Painting without a brush felt so good when I was experimenting with that. I felt such freedom, such balance. It put me where I'm strongest -- compositionally and color. I didn't get fussy or too carried away with a concept. Just color and space and shape. Clean, but rich. Heading to the studio now........

Ozarks and art...

2010-06-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

I've been in the Ozarks with my new grandbaby for almost 2 weeks now and leaving will be incredibly difficult. I do miss creating, experimenting, being with Nancy working on pieces; but I wouldn't trade this time for anything. Just watching the gift my daughter has given me in the kind of mother that she's turning out to be. So compassionate, so loving, so nurturing, so intuitive.

I was working (read: playing) one day in my temporary studio here in Missouri on the letter "H" for her name and came up with a few fun designs working with collage. The circular section of the piece would really work well for a single large mixed media piece. It's so great how my mind has kept fresh and on the alert for designs while I'm here.

Art at it's Finest!

2010-06-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

Oh wow the creation of a new life humbles and amazes me. These last few days have been about staring constantly in the face of this new hand of God. I'm a new grandmother. My daughter has given birth to a beautiful little girl with a headful of dark brown hair, long delicate fingers...and toes! Perfectly shaped mouth, little round chin, tiny emerging eyelashes, beautiful rich rosy complexion. She sleeps already through the night. Sometimes Lindsay has to wake her up. She nurses and goes fast asleep. My daughter is so in love. She's patient, laid back, relaxed. She just acts like a pro. So proud of her and so blessed that I get to be here with them.

Brilliance

2010-05-24T10:06:00.000-05:00

Remember when I was blathering on about creativity or the lack thereof? And I remember being the Super Encourager to a group of artists that they WERE artists, they just needed to test the waters or better yet, just jump in there. This morning I was reading Michael Kimmelman's book The Accidental Masterpiece (On the Art of Life and Vice Versa). In it is the most amazing quote from Winston Churchhill. This is my ticket to never getting stuck again. I love this man! He was a brilliant man who was basically in charge of most of our world for a major part of our history. When he first started painting he was a little paralyzed by the beginning process of painting outdoors and a friend grabbed his brushes and started splashing paint "on the absolutely cowering canvas. Anyone could see that it could not hit back. No evil fate avenged the jaunty violence. The canvas grinned in helplessness before me. The spell was broken. The sickly inhibitions rolled away. I seized the largest brush and fell upon my victim with berserk fury. I have neve felt any awe of a canvas since."

Genius.

Daily Inspirations

2010-05-20T22:06:00.000-05:00

I'm in Branson MO right now awaiting the birth of my grandbaby and in the middle of an art course that is really stirring things up in me artistically right now. Somehow they've both been orchestrated to work in tandem. The projects I've had for the course include exercises that can be accomplished while I'm here. It's slower in Branson, so the pace isn't as frenetic and I'm here without my husband, so I have more time alone to just journal and dream. He doesn't keep me from doing those things, I just don't focus on my journal or dream as much when I've got others around me. I'm more pensive, my thoughts are more elongated and I'm just more even. Being balanced is not one of my gifts! I'm setting up my art supplies this weekend to get ready to work on some projects with my daughter just to pass the time until she goes into labor. Being in a new place and not in my studio will be different, but maybe in a good way to think differently. There aren't a lot of inspirations here that are profound, but the quiet will make a difference. I wonder if my work will be any different or continue to be narrowed to a certain place.....

A crazy week!

2010-05-13T18:08:00.000-05:00

After my last pitiful blathering post, I've had some mercurial moments. I worked on a circle series (love their shape!) of 3 - 2 turned out OK, one met with a pair of scissors. It's amazing how much what's going on in your life can affect your creativity, your schedule and your focus. Mine is all over the map right now. I've got a grandbaby just about to land on the world's stage in about a week, I'm leaving for that stage in 2 days; I'm really considering and questioning some relationships and my role in several areas. Don't mean to be so evasive with all that, but it's only to say I'm all over the map in my head! Which is why I'm also posting a little collage I did here about how I LIVE in my head. There's so much going on in there!! My neck muscles are amazing!! :) Enjoy these pieces. Let me know what you think.....

Building quite a Village....

Circle series/red

Circle inspiration

HELP!

2010-05-12T14:14:00.000-05:00

If you're an artist type are are reading this, I NEED YOUR HELP! How do you keep the creativity flowing? Some days I am so in the zone, others I'm just ready to close the doors to my studio FOREVER! I know this is not atypical for artists, but I'm just frustrated and want to hear from others and how the heck you keep from throwing in the towel (or rag....).

Camera Time

2010-05-10T10:30:00.000-05:00

Carrying around this little Sony Cybershot is handy and fun. It actually takes pretty great pics. These are a few I took with Reed and Winn on Mother's Day in Mayfield Park. I may use some of these designs or actually photos in some art work, but for now I just want to enjoy the beauty of the Creator!

So many amazing details!

Yes, even his butt's beautiful!

Blown away by his colors....

A piece from beginning to almost end...."Relationships"

2010-05-07T16:03:00.000-05:00

"Painting to please the soul, the mind and the eye, but not the ego." Ford
"Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things." Degas

A very good day.............

fat and sassy 1, 2 & 3

2010-05-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

Working on a whimsical bird series......

Just play...and what I learned....

2010-04-27T11:04:00.000-05:00

I wish I had said this, but Barbara Ueland said it first and she must have experienced frustration at some point in her work (whatever that is) and then just relaxed and played....

"I learned that inspiration does not come like a bolt, nor is it kinetic, energetic striving; but it comes into us slowly, quietly and all the time, though we must regularly and every day give it a little chance to start flowing."

Genius.

One more inspiration from this weekend's ArtCityAustin. I was very touched by Suze Ford's work, but even more inspired and encouraged by her quote: "Painting to please the soul, the mind, and the eye, but not the ego."

www.suzeford.com

Such a Flash!

2010-04-21T14:59:00.000-05:00

I have such a hard time knowing what to do with pieces I've worked on that I can see just aren't going anywhere. Some just need to jump in the car and make a little trip to Goodwill - which I've done several times. Some just need to get over themselves and be OK. Some need a good dose of gesso and have a do-over. Others......

I've had this piece that was a long time coming of a photo of some friends on a trip to Lake Powell. It was such a great scene. We're sitting on the beach outside of our huge houseboat, fourth of July, fire on the sand and a glass of wine somewhere nearby. The photo isn't a clear one, but for some reason I loved the haziness of it and the relationships it exhibited. Really wanted to paint it..........somehow.

I finally (actually years later!) did an acrylic skin piece of the 3 women (Nina and Janet on the left, me on the right). But for some reason, it just didn't work. Hated the background, but there were so many pieces of it that I really liked. This is when my flash moment came!! CUT up the parts you like, frame them into 3 pieces and MOVE ON!! You can see from my white chalk marks where I'm going to cut it up.

Aaaahhh, better....

And it's only Wednesday!

2010-04-21T14:28:00.000-05:00

Oh it is so like me to start something and not finish it or do it half-ass. I don't think this is going to be the case this time. I signed up for an experimental art course in the genre of mixed media and collage (see sidebar). The artist instructor Amelia is so great. She's incredibly prepared and proactive. When I took my walk this morning, all I could think about was my daily work from her course. She gives great direction and great freedom. Both of which I need. I've been in the studio every day this week and having such a great time.
Here's a bunch of fun shots of what I did this week. Feels so good to be in love with what I'm doing!

OH to be back in the Studio!!

2010-04-14T16:21:00.000-05:00

It's been a very long few weeks NOT being in my studio. I never really realize how much being in there affects me and those around me. I truly could just paint all day and not eat! Just put on some really amazing music -- today it was Adele, David Cook, Bonnie Raitt, Brett Dennen -- and a good friend. Doesn't get much better than that! Today my friend, Nancy landed at my house/studio around 10:30 with a bushel (literally!) of roses, lilies, bluebonnets, daisies from her garden. We played and created 4 amazing vase-fuls! A good way to start off our day of painting together.

She brought a canvas to learn a new technique that I've fallen in love with - I call it, for lack of a better word -- torn collage. It's so freeing, works on your ability to compose and work with light/med/dark colors and texture. As normal, she caught it and created something pretty amazing. If this is her first piece, I can't wait to see what else she creates!

daily humility

2010-04-07T16:19:00.000-05:00

Out at a local Austin foodie place recently and cracked up when I saw this "bumper sticker" on the drink dispenser. Sometimes we artists take ourselves too seriously. Sometimes not seriously enough.

I have so missed blogging because I'm not creating! When I create, I want to share with whoever on my blog. I feel like I'm missing something even though some pretty fabulous things have been doing on -- travels, having a shower for our 7 1/2 month pregnant daughter, having the 30th anniversary of my 30th birthday (!!!), hanging out with friends...my studio is lonely and quite honestly a mess! After a quickie trip to Dallas Thursday, a wedding a another quickie trip to Dallas Sunday, I'm jazzed about jumping into my atelier!! Monday afternoon and every day thereafter until Winn and I escape to a B&B the next weekend. Five days in the studio....doesn't get much better than that! Postings coming.....maybe in true ADD form!!

the surgery was successful

2010-03-16T13:38:00.000-05:00

Even artists use hemastats! Those little pointy/squeezy/tweezer things that docs use are so valuable. I really felt I was doing surgery on this girl - Wanda. Like the skeletal piece as it is, but will more than likely give her some time to recover, then enhance/embellish her further. Think of it as artistic plastic surgery. Will let you know when she's ready to leave the clinic.

torching the woman

2010-03-16T12:55:00.000-05:00

OK, had a fun idea this morning based on a piece of art that I found by Ellen Lane. I was making a type of armature with various types of wires - rusted, black, tinted over newsprint. The fun part was I was then going to torch it (shades of Lindy!) and it would go up in flames, the cinders would fall in my sink and I'd be left with a fun body shape to embellish, flatten, add to canvas, whatever. Hadn't gotten that far in my head. Well, my wiry lady didn't feel like going up in flames. She just smoldered - as we women like to do sometime. So now, she's soaking in a vat of water to turn the newsprint to mush and then I can pick it out !!!! for at least an hour. Fun and games. Stay tuned and see how I resurrect this one!

have i shown it off finished yet??

2010-03-12T15:48:00.000-06:00

Oh here's definitely a "pretty'd up" pic of my studio with some new lipstick - not red but "lion's mane!" How I love it. As I said in an earlier blog, I was encouraged by something Jennifer Hofman said in an interview online recently. You have to love your workspace. Is there anything about it that isn't right? How do you feel when you're there? I have rearranged my studio time so many times it's a family joke. But I realized it's not the location of the easels, the work space -- it was simply the color. Now I cannot wait to be in there. The word that comes to my head and to others' lips is HAPPY. Bingo. That's how it makes me feel and I ache to be in there! Soon I'll post a "real" pic of my studio -- i.e., when I'm in there working -- but sheesh, that's like letting someone see my closet! I mean really, are we THAT good of friends?! I'll be brave soon. But this is what it looked like when I got finished with the paint job. Thanks for looking!
Thanks Jennifer! www.inspiredhomeoffice.com

spring and commissions!

2010-03-12T15:35:00.000-06:00

May just have a new (read: first) commissioned piece. Not counting all my chickens just yet, but just knowing that this client of a designer has a asked for a contract in her hands, there's definitely hope! In thinking about working on her piece - which palette wise is completely a different road - has been fun. I'm working on some small canvas mock ups for her to approve (she's in another state) and the energy I expended and received through these 3 pieces was amazing. Fun. Loose. Sassy. Working with palette knive is so freeing -- and NEAT -- which rarely fits in my vocabulary! All this to say, I did it with a friend. One who always encourages me and asks for guidance and direction. I treasure being able to share with other artists. I've learned some cool things from her too. We each get each other out of our funky little artist boxes. One who also crawls down in my soul to find stuff. She can read me like no other and was bold enough today (she said it wasn't easy...) to ask if some things she's wondering and concerned about me were on target. Sure enough. She hit a bull's eye. Thank you my Friend!

Cool on-line class

2010-03-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Come take this with me! It really sounds fun and stretching even for collage artists who've been doing it a while. Just being around others who may have never picked up a brush is energizing too. There'll be experienced artists and not from all over the world! Join me....it'll be fun! I know the instructor will! Amelia. We've been dialoguing over e-mail. Check it out....
http://www.ameliacritchlow.co.uk/section354449.html

for artists who might be stuck!

2010-03-11T18:00:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qtSz5pm6hrY&feature=related

almost like a spa day!

2010-03-11T17:13:00.000-06:00

Amazing. Wonderful. Energizing (thanks Julie!). Rich. Challenging. Relaxing.

How can just 6 hours in my studio fill me with all of that??!? Can't figure it out. Don't want to try. Just love it. Accept it. Well, I say 6 hours - that's all minus the 1.25 hours I spent playing around with Twitter. My dear pregnant daughter (think it's the hormones) decided that I MUST be on Twitter. Well, I certainly couldn't just have one friend to follow. I had to add more so I would be socially cool and have lots of people/groups/causes to follow. Haven't really gotten over say a dozen, but I feel acceptable in this new Twitter world. Crap, I wish I'd said no. Oh well, so much for discipline or self-control! Blair, how do you feel about yourself right now!? :)

OK, back to art.

Working on several pieces today. Both varied, but I fell in love with my precious art TOOL! A scrap of a sea sponge with loads of dried paint on it. Ridiculous for making texture, scraping down to layered colors. Just gets better and better. Artists - don't throw anything away! It's amazing what we can create tool-wise for ourselves and not spend a whole lot of $$ on art "supplies!!" Lipstick tube lids make amazing tool. Broken paint brushes... The sleeve on a Starbucks cup - a whole world will open up!!

I love this blogging and on-line community. I can see how it can at first glance seem impersonal and not "real" relationship. But I am so encouraged by other artists and their words to me, their words to artists at large. I checked out an on-line mixed media collage class today and Amelia Critchlow (I'll post her website in a few....) got back with me after having read my blog. All I can say is that it just energized (thanks again Julie!!!) me for the rest of the day. I've cranked out some really nice pieces today. Painting with a friend tomorrow - Nancy -- and can't wait to stretch my limits some more. Oh my gosh, I love the artistic community!!

back home and in the studio

2010-03-11T10:56:00.000-06:00

Such a long time since I've been here. Good to be back. Traveling, helping, encouraging. Fun. Now I'm so hungry to jump back in the paint, the canvas, the experimentation, the finishing all these unfinished projects!! I can only smile. My intentions are grandiose and well intentioned, but I have the rest of March, all of April and much of May (to be cut short when my new grandbaby girl is born) to create, test, narrow who I am as an artist. Granted it's fun to try so many different genres, but I am really excited about focusing on a large series of works. One will be in acrylic, glazes, mixed media called "bohemia girl." I've got one finished already. Love it and want to do a series of 8-12. Same general look/design, various colors, energy and message. Really excited about this one! I just get so scattered because that's how my mind works. You name it. I've done it, but not to the point of excellence. It has helped me hone my skills, but now I'm ready to settle in. Just like in comfy Uggs or a luscious pair of house shoes. You just want to stay there. Never leave. Hopefully I'll have something fun to post tomorrow.

fully alive

2010-02-24T12:09:00.000-06:00

Finished this torn collage and really like it. It's 4x bigger than what I usually do and it was fun. Didn't really go in the direction I had thought about earlier today. The snow is melting and so is my energy. Big problem....iPod out of juice. Art sans music....not great! Oh how I love to listen to Marc Broussard's Carencrou, or David Cook ANYTHING or Mama Mia soundtrack. Juiced up now (the iPod not me!) and ready for another creative day tomorrow.

The second piece is in the works and inspired by a monthly project I'm a part of "Creative Every Day". I tore out a few pages of a journal (do I save it for someone to read some day?, or for me to re-read?....) and laid it down with some fun colors, torn pieces. Balance/composition is so important in art. It's also important in life, but sometimes too much balance makes for a boring piece. This last piece is going in a fun direction. A little cattywhompus in life might be too bad either!

I found this quote in my studio yesterday. It really made me realize (really remember!) that life is to be lived to the full. Silly, abundant, "Phoebe running" ("Friends" officianodos will get this one), joyful life. "The most visible creators I know of are those artists who express the inexpressible - without brush, hammer, clay or guitar. They neither paint nor sculpt -- their medium is being. Whatever their presence touches has increased life. They see and don't have to draw. They are artists of being alive." Do you know someone like that? Are you someone who could BE that person?

my imaginary friends....

2010-02-23T11:34:00.000-06:00

Oh wow, when I paint with friends in my studio I'm so invigorated, encouraged, enlivened, challenged....so much more than that! Sadly calendars, jobs and life intervenes and oftentimes, I'm just standing solo in my studio going "duh, what should I do today? how the heck can I get inspired? get off of dead center?" I'm so encouraged by others' blogs, their brain meanderings, their inspirations, challenges, ideas. So great. I do know that I'm a creator. I'm gifted.
So just standing there is a bit silly. I've got a fabulous (albeit addictive) library of art books, workbooks, art 'zines. They are a great go-to resource for me, just to get me moving. Sometimes there are so many great ideas, good inspirations that I get a little stuck...but only for a while. I so appreciate artists writing this stuff down for me. I've updated my reading list here and before I start on that abstract piece today, gonna pour a cup of tea, and hit one of these books...probably Twyla's book, so I can get rid of my pitiful. OK, I'll add a cookie with that tea.

local inspirations

2010-02-23T11:16:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe, but it's snowing in Austin TX!! It's one of those days when just watching a rare phenomena gives me such peace. I seriously doubt there'll be too many snow people around, but it's just pretty falling. Being still causes me to breathe and just look around. I've got some fun things around my home. Colorful. Funky. Surprising. In my anal reorganizing mode, I hit my refrigerator yesterday and there's beauty even there! Tomatoes are an amazing color! Period. My lady mask here just made me smile and I think I'll just use all her colors to work on an abstract piece today, just for fun. Stay tuned and see what happens!

Or maybe this...

pondering a new name

2010-02-18T15:09:00.000-06:00

OK it could be that I'm just getting bored, but I think I need to come up with a new name -- PAssionarT seemed so perfect, so right. Now I'm finding there's another passionart out there (I guess it wasn't THAT original!) and there's another Pat Chapman mixed media artist. I like her work, but I'm thinking I need to reinvent. I've had yearly moments of focuses - one year it was SASSY -- standing for sacrificial/artistic/sensual/silly year. Now I seem to be trying to focus on FUN and just letting go - as Nicole Nordeman sings -- letting go, no more status quo. I am going to be a grandmother for the first time and believe you me my granddaughter will paint before she walks! In fact, she'll just dip those feet in my palette and take her first steps in my studio! Gigi's Grins? That sounds good. Fun and Fearless. Am I working too hard at this? For those of you who know me well, love to hear some suggestions.

love being in my new colorful studio!

2010-02-18T08:55:00.000-06:00

It's amazing - i know I'm repeating myself - but I'm so in love with the color, energy and surroundings of my studio. It's organized, functional and fun. I'm drawn there every day. Yesterday I painted with my friend Nancy. She's amazing. She's working on a series of portraits of Dominican Republic kiddos on a substrate of coffee grounds. So inspired and touching. We paint so differently, but when we're together painting, each of our pieces just have more life to them. Hunkering down and getting to work when your inspired is one thing, but just the symbiocity (is that a word?!!) of our conversation/techniques/ideas/suggestions is just life giving. Love it.

rugged beauty.
This was a fun experiment.

monochromatic.
varied.
flat and texture.

The center piece was part of a canvas that I'd done earlier.
Cut out the favorite part with raised texture and plopped it in the middle.
Not finished, but I really like where it's going.

good productive day

2010-02-18T08:41:00.000-06:00

This one was fun.
"i see you. u see me.
It was born out of a question i had in my head -
"what do you see when you see me? who do you see?
do you even look?"
then i at least had to smile at my introspection.
i think too much.
THEN, i just had fun.
Good plan.

left side of the silliness.
"masquerading as a normal person is exhausting."
how twu, how twu.

out of paint and out of steam...

2010-02-11T12:54:00.000-06:00

So close! I did this entire area so far in one quart! Just about 75 s/f more. I now know where everything is and it is in it's proper "real estate" location, so when the need arises....

I think I've always left it off white...oh and by the way to show you how long it's been since I built this room -- it was pale mauve (!!) not off white. Good Lord!... I've left it a pale color because of the lighting concerns with portraiture. Now that I'm working in mixed media, that is no longer a big deal.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on my space and any time you want to play with me here, I've got a brush ready for you!

Now I can actually work in here and maybe no rearrange for at least 3 weeks.

OK, lunch time then feet up.

couldn't wait....

2010-02-11T09:11:00.000-06:00

Got a start on the walls after I picked up this delicious color. Had such fun playing on the ceiling too. Amazing the difference it makes. Can't wait to finish!

such small things

2010-02-10T15:31:00.000-06:00

OK, today is better!! Gracious. It is just the little things that either let me get in a funk, or get me OUT of it. Yesterday I was listening to Jennifer Hofman with Inspired Home Office and she had some great tips on why there's always that 15% off factor in my studio. I've reorganized it 100 times and don't really feel like it's my haven, my sanctuary, the place where I live my passion. She also recommended a few books, and well that certainly tapped into my worst addiction -- Barnes and Noble and art books!! So fun. OK, here's the really complicated solution: It's going to be a new color!! As well as I know myself, I never tapped into the fact that the look of my studio was so basic, so bland. There's not an off-white wall in my house!! Clutter freaks me out, but I do love funky little do dahs. I need to be inspired and encouraged visually -- the new color is "lion's mane." A great color. peaceful. happy. Hopefully I can get this done manana. I do so love the little things. The little blessings.

stuck

2010-02-09T10:11:00.000-06:00

reading some other artists blog this morning about loneliness. it prevails in all artists. for some it is lifeblood to their creative process. others it stifles. stops them cold. for me....it's probably more of the latter. i feel stuck. still. heavy. one blog or quote said stepping outside helps infuse life, encouragement, inspiration. i can see that that would help. me, i get that inspiration and encouragement from working with others. that too has changed. i truly believe that God has orchestrated that for some reason. what the heck that reason is is a total guess. and today is clouded with that lonely feeling. tomorrow'll probably be different. today i'm just stuck. a bit directionless. a bit empty. i do believe i'm gifted artistically - even though sometimes i don't get it or momentarily believe it -- i have an eye for composition, color, texture -- love it and have so much fun with it in fact, but crap i hate these mercurial moments that i get just stuck. still, heavy. oh the life of an artist......

sorry to be a debbie downer today....

one more from Alisa Burke's class

2010-02-08T16:10:00.000-06:00

I forgot to mention that the online class I'm taking is Alisa Burke's. Such a cutie. I'm definitely working on not making these demos of mine to be too PRECIOUS! This piece was fun - i'm definitely throwing myself out there with this title!! -- "i live inside my head" but it was fun anyway. This caught the glare a bit and since my camera is new I cannot figure out how to turn off the flash --but will soon. It has a lot of copper in it, so... Oh all the administrative stuff an artist should do, but simply doesn't want to!! Can I get an "amen?!"

life's also simple....or at least it should be!

2010-02-08T16:03:00.000-06:00

life's a journey....

2010-02-08T16:00:00.000-06:00

I'm taking an online collage class that has really gotten me experimenting. The instructor's art is very different from mine, but she really helps me create a little freeER! I've started an art journal just to play, experiment, test... It's a great way to warm up. This was the first piece I played with....I certainly don't want these pieces to be works of art, but they could very well be a template for a much larger piece. Why oh why do i get manicures???! My nails are a direct reflection of the palette of the day!

escaping....

2010-02-02T09:30:00.000-06:00

Art is the only way to run away without leaving home. ~Twyla Tharp

Sometimes i think running literally away from home and responsibilities (not from the people IN my home, but the mundane), but then this week being away from my home and MY STUDIO!!! for 2 weeks, I'm going mad. It's like I've lost something. I do take my studio for granted. It's stockpiled with the most amazing supplies and opportunities. I have so many canvases, ideas, tests in my head whirling around just waiting to land somewhere.

Now when I get home, I can create art and not have to run away. Cool. Winn will be glad.

back of sculpture...by lindsay

2010-01-13T11:54:00.000-06:00

close up of top

2010-01-13T11:52:00.000-06:00

Finished Reclaimed Art

2010-01-13T11:45:00.000-06:00

In looking back at some old posts I saw that I didn't post the completed found objects piece. This one was so much fun and after some much needed outside direction from our Add On Son, I finished it, signed it and am ready to present it to the client of Lindsay's for her new home. Out of the rubble....these'll be posted individually.

crazy....

2010-01-13T11:28:00.000-06:00

Some times I really get in the groove and anchor myself on one genre. Then I find something like the torn collage that helps me loosen up for the big pieces. Working on acrylic skins almost killed me and I decided that small work would be the end of me! That, of course, was before the torn collage and now this Zen for the brain. It's just glorified doodling. Nothing more, but it does pour you over into the right side of your brain (for me that means ZERO...ZIP left side...). A little addictive, but fun.

upon this rock....

2010-01-04T14:34:00.000-06:00

OK, this is the latest attempt at silencing "the critic!" It actually started as a piece I did in an art class with a good artist friend, Julie. She actually gave me more encouragement and direction than the artist. Boy what a frustrating class. OK, I won't go into the frustration, albeit tempted!

Each of the rock colors have an amount of copper acrylic in them. I love rocks. I love what they say, where I find them, how varied they are in color and texture. They just make me happy. Isn't that weird that rocks can make me happy? So adding the copper just enhanced that. This 2x4 wood substrate piece sat in my studio for at least a month before I got "inspired." Now it is evolving into a piece that I'm really having fun with. Lots of layers (only 4 now, but....) and varied elements.

Also working on a torso, a torn collage, my portrait of one of our dogs, Judah. I have to multi task paint or I just get stiff and dull.

Opened up an Etsy shop today so I can sell some of my stuff!!

OK, on to the studio after lunch....

Great quote

2009-12-14T13:36:00.000-06:00

To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. — Joseph Chilton Pierce

Is this an ever present struggle for all artists, or is it just me!? (rhetorical question....) The joy I have when I create is unsurpassed. Girl, stay in the moment.....Don't let your inner critics get the best of you!

boatyard

2009-12-05T11:17:00.000-06:00

Oh how i love kayaks. This piece felt like lots and lots of kayaks floating together, all different, but waiting to have someone jump in the cockpit and paddle away....The pink one in the center is in honor of my "Genesis". She's really red, but black/white/red just do not compute in my head or my canvas, so here she's pink!

comfort

2009-12-05T11:13:00.000-06:00

This piece i did just after I got back from Taos. The time there with Winn was so rich. The eclecticness of the time and the place, the colors, the memories gave me great comfort, hence....

so fun and so curious

2009-12-05T10:33:00.000-06:00

These last 2 pieces I've got below are a process that I'm becoming addicted to. It's what I do when I'm stuck artistically (or as of this morning from 1:30 until 6:30 - can't sleep!!). It's somewhat mindless, but the end product is so fun and curious! I'm not one who can be faithful about book journalling - love what others do, but I'm just too impatient to want to work on the big stuff, but this is my way of playing, testing and creating something pleasing to the eye. I want to become driven and crazy excited about the big pieces that I labor over as I do these little ones. I just think it's weird that I love doing these! I HATE doing small handwork, beading, mosaic, acrylic skins....crazy making, but this is somehow different. Think I won't try and analyze this -- just enjoy it. I'll post more of the finished pieces later...now must catch up on zzzzzzzs.

Happy Dancer

2009-11-23T12:30:00.000-06:00

Falling Apart

2009-11-23T12:28:00.000-06:00

Musings

2009-11-23T09:11:00.000-06:00

Color surrounds me. Texture envelops me. I'm overwhelmed in a good way the number of artists I've either talked to or simply experienced their art as of late. Little pieces of their passion for what they do have stuck on to me and probably will work it's magic into my head and heart. Copying their work would be silly. I truly believe I'm called to speak my heart through my work. I'm not meant to copy, I'm not meant to dally around in my work and not try to learn more and test things I'm not familiar with. "Try something today you think you cannot do." There is no place for fear in art. None. It tells a story. It begs a conversation. It releases the childlike artist in me. I love the verse that says there is no fear nor condemnation for those who love Christ. I also believe He wants me to have no fear in my art nor worry about condemnation (really, criticism) of my work. He just wants me to play, to create, to find joy.

Coming Home

2009-11-22T19:22:00.001-06:00

Oh Goodness, I just tried to move to another blog, thinking it more visually appealing, but user friendly 'tis not!

I just had a wonderful trip to Taos and came away so energized and filled up with wanting to create more, to create more daringly, more passionately. Today I went on a very small portion of the East Austin Studio Tour here in Austin and WOW. It's amazing the art and artists we have in this very town. I felt the need to scoot away to Taos to be inspired. I need other creative people to function around. While on this tour, I discovered the wonderful Pump Project studio spaces. Filled with all varied artists - but skilled, eclectic and bold. I so want to be a part of that. Even if I'm painting alone, I'm surrounded by other artists who are living their dream.

Moving to a new BLOG!!

2009-08-19T12:08:00.000-05:00

Hey You! Thanks for visiting my blog. I've decided to move to another address. It's fresh and new and will not include anything from this blog. I've just finished Janice Elsheimer's book Creative Call for the 4th time and am now am officially a working artist. I've got a daily painting schedule. That's where you'll find me a minimum of 4 mornings out of 7. I'm excited about what my future holds. Thank you for the visits. Please join me on my new blog: http://freedomart.wordpress.com/

Freedom and Creativity of Children

2009-08-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've had an idea in my head for a client of Lindsay's for several months now. I've collected all the "stuff" i need for this project. Got a vague idea of where I want to go, but just getting off dead center is always a challenge. With a little help from my friend Alex, I was able to get moving! It's amazing how kids just have no fear and have an amazing artistic eye. They're just born with it and use it naturally. We adults just need to pitch the fear and have fun. Alex - you were awesome in helping me really have fun with this! We had a good time! Here are my piles of artistic ephemera junque (others would call this trash!) for the sculpture that will communicate "coming out of the rubble,' 'making old things new,' 'joy in the found." Keep posted here because my desire is that it will be ready for presentation by mid September!

Music to my Soul!

2009-07-27T14:40:00.000-05:00

Wow, today was amazing (what Monday ISN'T!?). Lindy jumped right in there with play time. Loosening up. We've missed her; me especially since I so needed her eyes on my "beginning" piece. Our friend Dana joined us with needing a little help with an art project for her hubby. Since she was a part of our old Bezalel art team, she just landed and we were ONE again! Too cool. In fact, she may join us on a semi-permanent basis learning, creating and bringing new techniques to the table.

That's what feeds my soul - new techniques and the love and passion of the women artists who cross the threshold of this studio (my husband used to call it my Recovery Room!). Even without Julie here (her quick paced colorful energy is still there!) and Nancy (our excitement about her new found sculpture passion was so fun and familial!) we were still in such an amazing groove. It's always different, always energizing, always inspiring -- that's why it is music to my soul. Food for my soul. I simply cannot live without it! This is what jump starts my week!! In the business world, Monday's a bad word....in our art world Monday is magic.

Wisdom to consider, to absorb...

2009-07-23T11:35:00.000-05:00

"Our life is frittered away by detail...Simplify, simplify." Henry David Thoreau

"If divergent thinkers become blocked on one project, we may shift to another. Frequently, when we are working on the second thing, we understand in a flash what we must do to complete or continue the first project. What seems like a disorganized, misdirected waste of time to the linear convergent person may be a divergent way of keeping the work going while we are waiting for our brain to produce the insights we need." (Aaaaahhhh! I'm not spacey-I'm divergent!!prc) Ann McGee-Cooper

"When I acknowledge my fear, I deprive it of its power over me." Janice Elsheimer

"When God sends His inspiration, it comes to us with such miraculous power that we are able to 'arise from the dead' and do the impossible. The remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life and power comes after we 'get up and get going.' God does not give us overcoming life -- He gives us life as we overcome." Oswald Chambers

Snippets of "Nah"

2009-07-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

Here are a few updates on what I've been working on - both solo in my studio and with Julie. Yesterday she and I were the only artists in there - the others had to work at their paying job!

But we're all working on being paid as artists -- how cool is that?! Scary too!

We had a creative/quiet/focused day, painting for about 4-5 hours. There were power tools going on, sanding, painting, pouring. That's the fun of mixed media. It's so varied. So non-limiting and free. The encouragement/critique/learning that goes on within those four walls is amazing. If only we could do this 2-3 times a week. This particular piece is on wood substrate using papers, acrylics, mediums, stains, metal and fun power tools.

I recently ordered a book (I'm a self-confessed bookaholic!) "I'd Rather Be in the Studio." Oftentimes I order books and they fall in 3 categories - #1 fabulous/lifechanging OR #2 fair/not worth taking to half-price books OR #3 Good Will. Well, this book by Alyson B. Stanfield falls into the first category. Just perusing the Table of Contents made me so jazzed. It's one thing to say I want to market myself/sell my work, but then DOING it is another. My first big venture out there was being accepted by Mixed Media Collage Artists. Debbie Overton, the artist CEO has been great and encouraging me to set up my marketplace page to get some of my pieces moving. Deer in headlights. This is for real. She thinks my work is worthy, as does my husband, Reed and Lindsay, my kids, my friends (Lindy and Marsha Lockett are my Barnabases!!!) my artist partners in crime -- why are my feet suddenly in wet concrete?!! OK, here's the positive encouraging part!! This book - hereinafter known as IRBITS has the potential to just pull my feet out, hose 'em off and get me moving! I just ordered my business cards after just reading the T/Contents. (Self promotion, Defining Success, Organizing, Artist Statement, Speaking/Teaching, Portfolios, Online Presence, Media Magnet, Getting Involved, Save Money on a Shoestring, Maintaining Momentum.) Again, I'm blathering on and on because I know if I put this in print, I can move forward because I know there are those out there who WILL hold me accountable (and you know who you are!!).

Thanks for listening! On to lunch, then my studio......

Wednesday's Results

2009-07-16T09:49:00.001-05:00

Wow, what a day! It started off with me connecting with the Mixed Media Collage Artists group, being accepted and then the encouragement of that got me even more energized than I already was. Needless to say, I spent 8+ hours in my studio cranking fun stuff out. Tested a few new techniques. Some worked, some not so hot, but I learned why! Found that I had so much more energy, creativity and passion when I worked on 3 pieces at once. Just moving from one to another which were so different, it forced my brain to not get caught up in the minutiae of a single project. Working on 2 wood pieces and one canvas (that one is definitely not for publication yet!!), but here's what I progressed with yesterday. "nah" and "passion." How's that for diversity!?

Passionart collection

2009-07-15T17:10:00.000-05:00

This was so much fun to put together. It is a bit long (6 minutes), but have a glass of wine/cup of tea and at least enjoy the music! I am having such a blast doing what God created me to do. I learn something new about my art every day - either from experimenting, from fellow artists, my surroundings, my "failures." Right now I'm exhausted but so happy after spending 8+ hours in my studio. Doesn't get much better..........

Inspirational quotes for me....for you

2009-07-15T10:52:00.000-05:00

I throw these quotes out to you to encourage and inspire you, BUT I also toss them out there because if you're a viewer of my blog, I'd like you to hold me accountable for TODAY. Yesterday I was a bit sluggish and SO not inspired or motivated to DO ART. How crazy is that!? Today I was accepted into a pretty cool group - www.mixedmediacollageartists.com and am excited about what I can offer and what I can learn from them. In light of THAT and these quotes, I thinketh I shall geteth off my butt!

OK, here they are:

"Even imperfection itself may have its ideal or perfect state." Thomas De Quincey

"It's a happy talent to know how to play." (Oooh, I especially love that one!) Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Almost all creativity involves purposeful play." Abraham Maslow

So don't just read over them! Read them out loud. Agree with them? Act on them?

See ya! Going to my studio.....I'll update you later today......

Inspiration....where does it come from for me....at least this week!

2009-07-14T11:06:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have been a frenzy for me. My art hasn't suffered though. I find such joy in time and places with my camera. Sometimes the product of that is enough. Just seeing it on my computer is good. Sometimes the really good ones end up in a photojournal, some as inspiration for a canvas, or a jumping off point for a mixed media. Sometimes just being with friends - which I've done a lot lately!) gives me ideas for textures, colors, subjects. Here are a few that make me laugh, some that may end up on an art piece....I wonder where it'll land....

Can art be classified as an addiction?!

2009-05-27T17:31:00.000-05:00

One routine that's been wonderful and freeing for me lately is seeing in my head what I'm reading that morning. Usually it's the Bible. One phrase or one concept or one "wow" will stick with me and I get some fun/crazy/inspired vision of what to put on wood, canvas....whatever! This one came after I was reading in The Message Isaiah 35:4-7. It was talking about hanging in there, God's on His way, He'll fix it. Your blind eyes will be opened and you won't be deaf any more, you'll be jazzed, happy and refreshed. I could just picture an image or shape of some sort looking up toward wheels (i.e., coming fast!!). It started out with the circles, then colors, then the little puzzle bird. Then I just felt boldness in being the one looking up to be big, as in waiting BIG, heavy with intensity. A little bit more to finish, but this one made me really happy. Today so many things came together.

oh what a morning!!

2009-05-27T12:08:00.000-05:00

Have the whole day to paint!! (May sneak in a little tanning with lunch, but otherwise, I'm in THE art room/studio/recovery room!! I picked up an old cabinet door that had white enamel paint on it and thought I'd just mess around, work with tools, applications that I hadn't tried before. (A teacher of mine, Andrew Long, sent out an email that said to try something you don't know how to do....) No goal in mind, really just a "play piece" to warm up. Well lo and behold, since I wasn't trying so HARD to create the PERFECT piece, I had such a blast and knocked out something that was really FUN. Isn't that what art is supposed to be about? If I'm gifted by my Creator, why struggle so? Anyway, a little power tool, a little stain over enamel (been told NEVER to do that! :) !),

some mixed metal grommets, some electrical tape....voila! I think that plus some wonderful Latino music on at a decibel higher than if others were around and working with no boundaries....so fun!! Here are a few zoomed in shots and the final piece.

Rudy's coming along....slowly

2009-05-27T11:55:00.000-05:00

I know some of you think yea yea, she's NEVER going to finish Rudy. I didn't know what was keeping me from moving on and getting him done. I think after talking to my co-heARTs in crime, Nancy and Lindy, (and a little loving encouragement from Winston Reed, I've got that connection with "friend" and the pattern pieces to have all this make sense in my heart/eyes/head. The pattern pieces are there because my mom loved to sew and this is probably one of her pieces. Rudy was her dog, that we adopted after she died. He's been such an amazing blessing - especially to Judah! which his portrait hopefully won't take as long! Hopefully, I'm only a few hours from being done! For those of you who peek at my blog - thank you!! Love hearing from you!!

good quotations to getcha going

2009-03-13T16:19:00.000-05:00

"the most visible creators I know of are those artists who medium is life itself. the ones who express the inexpressible, without brush, hammer,clay or guitar. they neither paint, nor sculpt - their medium is being. whatever their presence touches has increased life. they see and don't have to draw. they are the artists of being alive..." jane stone

and my all time favorite (don't know the originator)

"masquerading as a normal person day after day is exhausting."

Blogging

2009-03-13T11:08:00.000-05:00

I just picked up the most addictive, delicious 'zine on blogging - "Artful Blogging". I DO confess that I have a horrible addiction to magazines - art/design/photography especially. Usually I'm drawn by just a few "ideas" inside that I could maybe incorporate in my work. Read: a total waste of money!! I could do a quick "stolen" sketch and put it back on the B&N rack! But no!! This magazine, however, I cannot put down. It's about the blogging world, inspiring other artists who love texture/ephemera/colors/layering, etc.! They have the same frustrations, joys, struggles, journeys, questions, desires that I do. That's so comforting and encouraging. I woke up this morning thinking "I need to do ART and not get so involved in recreating my blog, making it fabulous and inviting." The blog does "keep you honest" and doing art especially if there are people all over the world (in my dreams!!) looking at your work. This could be an answer to the community of artists that I'm looking to be a part of. The "community" of artists I have with me in my studio (Nancy and Lindy!!!! I love you!!) every Monday is so magical, so full of energy, that when they're not with me, I feel lost. This world of blogging is such an attractive cyber community that I feel like I'd be a fool to not join in. They've all been fearful too. This is a fun, safe, eclectic village that I just gotta get my passport for!!

getting ready for new look

2009-03-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

Friends, I'm getting ready to completely revamp this blog. I may even delete it and start totally fresh. I just read this amazing art 'zine "Artful Blogging" and was so encouraged to know about this huge art blog community out there! I will be updating/changing/creating something fun to read/view/be encouraged by. Get ready......

Another amazing artMonday!!

2009-03-09T17:59:00.000-05:00

Today, my artist-in-crime friend, Nancy and I had a blast painting/creating/struggling/transforming our pieces. It really amazes me how energized I get with another artist. I don't seem to be able to be the artist I want to be without my community! And that's a good thing! I am able to continue with that energy and confidence when I'm alone in my studio though. Their encouragement/pushing/ideas just float around in the air waiting to be caught!

OK here's a piece that was a huge transformation from the original (earlier in this blog). Completely out of my palette and composition, but I AM pleased with it and ready to take it to the gallery for someone else's home!"Urban Renewal" is it's working title for now.

This second piece has morphed just a little, but it's definitely gaining a happier life! "Happy Tears" works for now and the colors make me very happy. it to the gallery for someone else's home.

great art class

2009-02-16T12:29:00.000-06:00

My friend, Julie Rich and I took at 2-day art class at Austin Museum of Art this last weekend and it was a blast. We were stretched, learned new techniques, but especially for me, I gained a sense of freedom and desire to stop playing it so SAFE in my art. We worked on 2x4 pieces of luan board from Home Depot. Each of us alternated for 2 days on 3 of these. I chose to work outside of my palette, even work with colors I hated. With each "mistake" (which was a cuss word in this class!!) helped turn corners for me. Can't wait to take from Andrew again. These are far from finished, but with what I learned, I will add a different dimension to the rest of my work that's sitting in my artroom waiting to be finished and framed and sold!! The new layers that'll go on these 3 pieces hopefully will occur this afternoon. One thing I have to be diligent in is to not use my paint as if it is "precious" and toss everything that I've learned so far in my art journey that holds me back. I do have to target what has worked for me in the area of technique, but embrace a new dimension to pull it off. Nothing is sacred here!!

a good solo monday

2009-01-19T16:52:00.000-06:00

today i flew solo without my artist co-hearts in crime. The discipline was good. I began working from a message I heard on sunday about when a refiner is working with gold, he knows it's gone through the fire enough when he can see his reflection. I want my reflection to be ready. I took a photo of me and rearranged it as I feel I am being rearranged everyday! it's hard sometimes, but today I actually focused and kept my direction clean and unfrustrated. When there are others here, I can feed off of them and get positive critiques, today it was just me and the direction I knew I was supposed to take based on my quiet time this morning. All about trust.

The third piece is called refiner's fire, the second fancy flights, and the 1st is one I've have had unfinished for years. I just took an umbrella off, let go of perfecting her face and edges and added some text. Very freeing! Think I'll call her "don't be chicken."

Thanks for those who post. It's good to hear

what you think of my work!

clean.....aaaah

2009-01-18T16:38:00.000-06:00

Oh wow, this feels good. New template. New art work to produce this week. Things are getting a little tired. Spent the last hour or so just listing new techniques I'd like to try. Just stretching my wings. I've got to get back into my 'outside the box' mentality/functionality. I can't do it all -- all these fun techniques. Just wanting to test the waters and see what feels good. Working on a 9-piece set of canvases that right now are quirky and seemingly not going in a comfortable direction, but they'll get there. We'll see what gets posted manana!

some more work complete!!

2009-01-08T16:36:00.000-06:00

Here are some more pieces ready for framing/selling/showing...."life textures" and "funny bone."

Rudy's coming along...

2009-01-08T16:28:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest on Rudy. He's progressing slowly but surely. The eyes and the mouth are the hardest right now because he's so expressive with both! The tongue's almost there and the eyes are blocked in (almost like in a deer in headlights right now...) The background will definitely get more movement and definition. This has been fun as a portrait should be. I still want it more lively and not so exact.

2009-01-07T10:23:00.000-06:00

Wow, the holidays have really flown by and kept me from posting! Good news is that the family and friend times have been incredible. I feel very filled up and therefore it will come overflowing in my work! I've completed a few pieces, some are at the framers, and others are on the drawing board! I'm thrilled with several of them. Been trying some experimental things that are actually FUN! I have a few galleries that are at least willing to see my work, so I'll cross that bridge soon. The BEST part has been working with some friends in my studio doing art together. I find that I'm so energized and free when I'm working with other artists or wannabes! It's a joyful place to be. I'll at least post today some of my photography that is at least curious. L-R are: tide bubbles, reticulated friends, jump and new vantage point.