This portrait is on the last page of a memoir I wrote and mailed today for the Arthouse Coop memoir project.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Journey begins-through Breast Cancer
Post for today. This portrait was drawn and colored yesterday and I forgot to post.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Pages 120 -121 completed
Pages 120 -121 completed, a photo by momoo50 on Flickr.
The Post today is the completion of the week of faces challenge in the Art Doodle Love book by Dawn Sokol. I love this book and have been using it almost daily. It is a book for doodling and drawing. It is not a book to merely sit on your shelf, it is a book to handle, mark in, practice techniques, and if your are like me learn how to doodle. I look at zentangles done by others and wonder if I will ever get it. I know that I will but sometime I can be a slow learner.
Another cool thing about this book is that you can skip around and draw on a page that calls to you. I took a class in April called Expressions Ecourse taught by Regina Lord. I have learned to much and ADL allows me to practice I will keep on posting my work here as I complete pages that I love.
Keep checking back. Pilgrim
Monday, May 27, 2013
Janay day 5 of ADL faces.
Art post for the day. This is day 5 of Art Doodle Live face challenge. I live the eyes on this drawing.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Divine Color
Week 21 project for lifebook....Honoring my divine color.
There is a story behind this painting. Tulips are my favorite flower and I love purple tulips so it felt perfect to draw and paint this picture. However, getting to this place was not easy, in fact it was downright hard.
For years I have used rubber stamps and traced copyright free pictures because I did not believe that I could draw the objects. When I did try to draw it looked very childish and i was sorely discouraged. For this project I wanted to draw and paint my tulips. On Friday I did a test run (pictured in another post) by drawing Nasturiums and Oriental Poppies. I used various types of Media to color the flowers. they looked pretty good. I was sure that I would have not problem with my tulips.
'Hold your horses Sparky', my muse seemed to say. "Just what in all that is holy makes you think you can do this and post it?" Looking at the pictures posted by other artists, I immediately got intimidated and discouraged. There was just no way I could draw and paint on a large scale. All day long there was this ongoing dialogue; "no one will like it, does it really matter, will you at least try?" So at 10 pm, I sat down to create. I drew a test in my journal and then copied by test onto my canvas (note to self 140 lb watercolor paper does not hold up well with a lot of water.)
I got my supplies together, had my iPad next to me with the instructional video running, tape on paper, let's get this show on the road.
1. Wet your paper then draw outline of flower and leaves with watercolor crayons
2. Keep the paper wet by spritzing it and start to paint with broad strokes the colors of twinkling h2o's. I used colors complementary to purple for the tulip leaves and colors complementary to green for the leaves
3. the colors are going to meld, keep on spritzing. I looked at the canvas and thought "what in the Hell? This is an awful mess." One week ago I would have stopped. Not tonight, I allowed it to dry and it still looked like a purple and green blob.
4. take watercolor crayons and put highlights in the petals and leaves, keep on spritzing. Uh Oh, colors still mingling and paper is becoming rolling hills.
5. Put saran wrap peices on the leaves, gauze on the leaves to get texture. Put extra colors on the leaves cover entire canvas with saran wrap and put a heavy object on top while it dries. Let it dry for a half an hour,
6. Remove heavy object, pull back large saran wrap and spritz with gold
7. put saran wrap back and heavy object let dry for couple of hours
There are more steps, but it still looked like a hilly blob. Idea surfaced why not outline the flowers with black posca pen to give definition. Enhance the background with some yellow. Put in white highlights and add more water color crayon. Discovered that the crayon will melt under heat gun. You can take a tissue to smooth the crayon---it is really a cool discovery.
I like the randomness and softness of this piece. I like the fact that I stuck with it, I like the fact that I am growing and not giving in to the negative self talk.
Heck, I just love this painting. I am pretty proud of me for this one. I am getting ready to go and sign it.
There is a story behind this painting. Tulips are my favorite flower and I love purple tulips so it felt perfect to draw and paint this picture. However, getting to this place was not easy, in fact it was downright hard.
For years I have used rubber stamps and traced copyright free pictures because I did not believe that I could draw the objects. When I did try to draw it looked very childish and i was sorely discouraged. For this project I wanted to draw and paint my tulips. On Friday I did a test run (pictured in another post) by drawing Nasturiums and Oriental Poppies. I used various types of Media to color the flowers. they looked pretty good. I was sure that I would have not problem with my tulips.
'Hold your horses Sparky', my muse seemed to say. "Just what in all that is holy makes you think you can do this and post it?" Looking at the pictures posted by other artists, I immediately got intimidated and discouraged. There was just no way I could draw and paint on a large scale. All day long there was this ongoing dialogue; "no one will like it, does it really matter, will you at least try?" So at 10 pm, I sat down to create. I drew a test in my journal and then copied by test onto my canvas (note to self 140 lb watercolor paper does not hold up well with a lot of water.)
I got my supplies together, had my iPad next to me with the instructional video running, tape on paper, let's get this show on the road.
1. Wet your paper then draw outline of flower and leaves with watercolor crayons
2. Keep the paper wet by spritzing it and start to paint with broad strokes the colors of twinkling h2o's. I used colors complementary to purple for the tulip leaves and colors complementary to green for the leaves
3. the colors are going to meld, keep on spritzing. I looked at the canvas and thought "what in the Hell? This is an awful mess." One week ago I would have stopped. Not tonight, I allowed it to dry and it still looked like a purple and green blob.
4. take watercolor crayons and put highlights in the petals and leaves, keep on spritzing. Uh Oh, colors still mingling and paper is becoming rolling hills.
5. Put saran wrap peices on the leaves, gauze on the leaves to get texture. Put extra colors on the leaves cover entire canvas with saran wrap and put a heavy object on top while it dries. Let it dry for a half an hour,
6. Remove heavy object, pull back large saran wrap and spritz with gold
7. put saran wrap back and heavy object let dry for couple of hours
There are more steps, but it still looked like a hilly blob. Idea surfaced why not outline the flowers with black posca pen to give definition. Enhance the background with some yellow. Put in white highlights and add more water color crayon. Discovered that the crayon will melt under heat gun. You can take a tissue to smooth the crayon---it is really a cool discovery.
I like the randomness and softness of this piece. I like the fact that I stuck with it, I like the fact that I am growing and not giving in to the negative self talk.
Heck, I just love this painting. I am pretty proud of me for this one. I am getting ready to go and sign it.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Friday, May 24, 2013
Bookbinding
Bookbinding, a set on Flickr.
Art post for today. The photos above are of the first book I have made using a cereal box. I sewed 4 signatures in to the cover. It was an interesting process. It took a lot of nerve and courage for me to do this book.
HOW DID I DO IT?
First I cut off the excess edges from the box which left a wonderful structure. Next I gessoed the front back and spine. I then made a template with the number of holes I wanted in the Spine for sewing. I used a 5 hole straight stitch design using black waxed linen thread. The signatures are independent of each other (I did not use a copic stitch or anything like that). I sewed in each signature and then rounded the corners to give it a finished look.
I still need to work on the cover and spine little more and then I am going to use this book for sketching. I have never really sketched, but I want to practice before my trip to China. I am going to make a travel journal similar to this one, just a little smaller for ease of transport. This book is about 9x12 and is a bit cumbersome for travel.
My next book will have a mixture of papers and I may use binding tape for the spine. We shall see.
Anyway, I enjoyed this project and my bookbinding skills are definitely improving. WooHoo.
Art post for today. The photos above are of the first book I have made using a cereal box. I sewed 4 signatures in to the cover. It was an interesting process. It took a lot of nerve and courage for me to do this book.
HOW DID I DO IT?
First I cut off the excess edges from the box which left a wonderful structure. Next I gessoed the front back and spine. I then made a template with the number of holes I wanted in the Spine for sewing. I used a 5 hole straight stitch design using black waxed linen thread. The signatures are independent of each other (I did not use a copic stitch or anything like that). I sewed in each signature and then rounded the corners to give it a finished look.
I still need to work on the cover and spine little more and then I am going to use this book for sketching. I have never really sketched, but I want to practice before my trip to China. I am going to make a travel journal similar to this one, just a little smaller for ease of transport. This book is about 9x12 and is a bit cumbersome for travel.
My next book will have a mixture of papers and I may use binding tape for the spine. We shall see.
Anyway, I enjoyed this project and my bookbinding skills are definitely improving. WooHoo.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Chrissy
Art post for today. I have been practicing for nearly two months and I am starting to see a marked improvement. Have not really tried copying a picture. The portraits I am drawing now are from the imagination. Maybe next month the goal will be using pictures as a guide.
I have been able to accomplish another marvel, I am blogging everyday and that is nice. I mean really nice. I have had this blog since 2006, that is seven years dear reader and I have not been consistent, truly I have been basically absent on the blog scene and that is a shame. But now I have a reason, I have a voice, I have seen the need to put my thoughts out into the universe even it I am the only one who sees them.
This morning I sat on the patio and read with a light breeze blowing. It was exquisite. Last year I promised myself that I would do what I did today and just did not follow through. This week I have been in my chair, feet up, watching videos, writing and reading just about everyday and I love it. Living in Henderson Nevada and facing the west, I have morning cool and afternoon heat, so my time for enjoying this space are early morning and late evening and that is just fine. My challenge is to keep my pledge to myself and add this process to my self care program. I am going to be 64 this year and I intend to spend the next 18 months preparing myself physically, spiritually and emotionally for the glorious 65 in November 2014.
What does all of this have to do with the picture posted above? A lot really and at the same time not much. It means a lot if I follow through with my goals and plans; not much if I fall back to habits that keep me doubting myself, not doing what I am called to do and making excuses.
Let's see and measure how I do. Hold me accountable dear reader. Pilgrim
I have been able to accomplish another marvel, I am blogging everyday and that is nice. I mean really nice. I have had this blog since 2006, that is seven years dear reader and I have not been consistent, truly I have been basically absent on the blog scene and that is a shame. But now I have a reason, I have a voice, I have seen the need to put my thoughts out into the universe even it I am the only one who sees them.
This morning I sat on the patio and read with a light breeze blowing. It was exquisite. Last year I promised myself that I would do what I did today and just did not follow through. This week I have been in my chair, feet up, watching videos, writing and reading just about everyday and I love it. Living in Henderson Nevada and facing the west, I have morning cool and afternoon heat, so my time for enjoying this space are early morning and late evening and that is just fine. My challenge is to keep my pledge to myself and add this process to my self care program. I am going to be 64 this year and I intend to spend the next 18 months preparing myself physically, spiritually and emotionally for the glorious 65 in November 2014.
What does all of this have to do with the picture posted above? A lot really and at the same time not much. It means a lot if I follow through with my goals and plans; not much if I fall back to habits that keep me doubting myself, not doing what I am called to do and making excuses.
Let's see and measure how I do. Hold me accountable dear reader. Pilgrim
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Marissa
Art post for today. Practice drawing. Introducing Marissa. Notice the snazzy hat. I need to work on eyes, they are not symmetrical. But I am pleased overall with this practice session.
I have been participating in several online projects that give me the opportunity to draw faces. Today I started working on two pages in Art Doodle Love where I have to draw a face a day for 7 days. Today is day one.
I have been participating in several online projects that give me the opportunity to draw faces. Today I started working on two pages in Art Doodle Love where I have to draw a face a day for 7 days. Today is day one.
Monday, May 20, 2013
My Muse
Art post for today. It took me two weeks to complete work on my muse a blinged out quirky bird. I love these birds, they are so fun and they show a happy side of me.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunset in Venice after a hard rain.
My art post for today is a photo I took in Sept. 2012 sailing down the lagoon on the vaporetto in Venice. We had just come through a terrible storm I named Hurricane Ernesto.
I love this photo and the memory.
Friday, May 17, 2013
ADL pgs 60-61
Day 3 art post. Pages in Art Doodle Love book. The circles were painted on Deli paper, cut out and glued on these pages. Colorful and fun.
New thought for today - May 17, 2013
I was thinking about the online classes I am participating in and how I really try to look at each picture and give encouragement because it is so very important to support fellow artists. I realize when I look at the work of others mine is not as compelling, but, at least I am trying, working, creating......and that is so important. I was feeling a little down because I do not get a lot comments until I examined my intent for doing this and posting. See, comparing myself to others is so dangerous. So why am I posting on line; to gain courage and confidence. I am posting to overcome vulnerability. I am posting for me, just because I can.
So I have to put in writing a reminder to myself that I am not posting for praise of others and that if I get just one comment, it is a good thing because I am sharing my talents with the universe. You know, all of this is really therapy since I have spent so much of my life trying to please others and neglecting me. I did not even know who I was. Through art I am discovering so many dimensions of myself through colors, images, faces, flowers, quirky birds, life. The joy of this discovery is phenomenal. But I cannot allow myself to get distracted by my own insecurities. I have go get out of my own way and not sabotage myself with false needs. This is an important lesson for all parts of my life...Amen.
Until next time....Pilgrim.
So I have to put in writing a reminder to myself that I am not posting for praise of others and that if I get just one comment, it is a good thing because I am sharing my talents with the universe. You know, all of this is really therapy since I have spent so much of my life trying to please others and neglecting me. I did not even know who I was. Through art I am discovering so many dimensions of myself through colors, images, faces, flowers, quirky birds, life. The joy of this discovery is phenomenal. But I cannot allow myself to get distracted by my own insecurities. I have go get out of my own way and not sabotage myself with false needs. This is an important lesson for all parts of my life...Amen.
Until next time....Pilgrim.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Week 20 something that moves my spirit.
Day 2 of posting art. This watercolor painting of flowers is for week 20 of the lifebook project. I have a strong desire to paint flowers and landscapes.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
15 day art challenge
I have posted a picture today, Adriana, as my picture for the day. I plan to work on and post one picture each day between now and the end of May. This will be a big challenge for me to stick to, but I plan to prevail. Not sure everyday will be a portrait. I am liking flowers as well as drawing faces. It may be a page from my Art Doodle Love book, but suffice it to say, I will be posting something.
Adriana, side view
Day 1 of posting artwork in May. I am trying to overcome the procrastination bug. Instead of thinking about creativity, I plan on creating everyday until the end of May. Trying to draw or paint a picture a day. Today is a side view painting. I have to admit that sometimes I look at the drawings and paintings of others and feel that mine look really juvenile, but considering that I have only been working on this for 6 weeks I am not doing so bad. Plus, the original looks better than the photo (at least it looks that way to me.).
I got the idea to name my portraits from Dawn Devries-Sokol. She has been practicing drawing faces and named each portrait. I thought it was a really great idea. I also may post work I am doing for Lifebook 2013 as I need to catch up.
This idea will also allow me to do something else I have been very lax about - BLOGGING. Writing is also art and by writing about the pictures I will be able to hone my writing skills and my drawing skills. Oh boy, this should be so much fun and insightful.
I got the idea to name my portraits from Dawn Devries-Sokol. She has been practicing drawing faces and named each portrait. I thought it was a really great idea. I also may post work I am doing for Lifebook 2013 as I need to catch up.
This idea will also allow me to do something else I have been very lax about - BLOGGING. Writing is also art and by writing about the pictures I will be able to hone my writing skills and my drawing skills. Oh boy, this should be so much fun and insightful.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Smiling lady
This s my first attempt at drawing a smiling person showing teeth. It was an interesting process. It does brighten up the face.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Thinking of you
I have wanted to start drawing my cards and this is my first attempt. Background is painted with water color crayon. Will keep working at it.
Sunday, May 05, 2013
Change in face shape
This is a dramatic change in the shape of the face, shading a little more intense, drew in about 10 minutes. Could not over think it.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Enjoying the Creative Process
 |
| Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska |
I have been having a blast. I just have to say it again, I have been having a blast. During the Month of April I took an online ecourse, Expressions, taught and presented by Regina Lord of Creative Kismet. Regina is an excellent teacher and artist. She takes care to present the process of drawing, shading and painting faces in a step by step manner. Before this class I was pretty much a stick person artist.
Now, I have to be honest. When I was much younger, I would spend hours in my room drawing. I could look at a picture and copy the essence of that picture. I illustrated all of my reports while in grade school and high school. In fact I did a little bit of everything, drawing, coloring, writing poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction. I taught myself to knit when I was 18 and made a layette set for my son when he was born. It was quite stunning with one problem...he was born Aug. 30, 1968 so it was too hot for him to wear the sweater, hat and booties. I was so disappointed. My self education did not include using the right weight of yarn for the season. Oh well, live and learn.
Somewhere in my twenties, while juggling a stressful marriage, work, motherhood and stops and starts with my college education, I lost a large part of myself. The creative part. No that is not true, the creative part did not go away, the confidence that I could do anything I put my mind to was lost. Set backs and failures can do that sometimes. We talk about the inner critic and how it works a lot. My concern is where it came from in the first place. I read one book that said give the inner critic a name. Mine is Gertrude. Another book says, tell her to go away....she seemed to like her home and was really reluctant to leave. Nothing I read really put me on the road to finding where Gertrude came from in the first place. Hmmm I thought, if I am going to have any peace, I have to do more digging.
Fast forward through 40 years or more (whew, I am getting more mature). During that 40 year period I have been busy. I have made greeting cards which I love, but not confident enough to market them (much to the chagrin of many friends). I have attended Art Retreats and had a blast. I have signed up for online classes and chickened out from completing them (Gertrude was really busy during this time). Oh I knitted some fabulous scarves, gave them away as presents; I made some fabulous cards; bought a boat load of art supplies, took fabulous pictures, yada, yada, yada......
So why am I now having a blast in 2013? Because I have allowed myself to have fun. Yep, good old fashioned fun. Each new challenge I have tried. Sometimes I have to talk myself into it, but I do it. There are a couple of projects that I have to continue the you can do it discussion so I will try them, but for the most part, I have stretched myself. No more stick figures for me. I laugh a lot as I draw faces, try zentangling, make colorful paper (my favorite things to do) and actually wear a vest that I made 5 years ago (the badboy looked good on me).
Ah life, I am having a blast. If you look at recent blog entries, they are pictures of practice drawings and I am proud of everyone of them. In fact, I am just giddy with joy. I am so glad I finally gave myself permission to let the creativity that has been laying dormant for so long to finally wake up. It is bursting forth and I am just having plain ole fun.
The picture above was taken in 2010 on an Alaskan Cruise. It is an awesome photo and I love it. Someday I am going to paint it.
As I said, I am having a blast.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)