The Box Has Been Started!

Well, I've started collaging the box that I told you about a couple of weeks ago. Here's the process: I hand-painted tissue paper, and now am tearing it and collaging it to the box with clear gel medium (I covered the box with clear gesso first and let it dry)

I'm using the same colors that I used in the banners -- each color represents a month, a disciple and a power of man -- these colors are used a lot in our services. I still will be adding reds, oranges, russet, gold and yellows. Then, I'll be adding words that represent our Capital Fund Campaign - "Youth" - "Education" - and "Seniors" that I have stamped on silver painted paper.

It really looks beautiful in my mind! Hope it translates to the box!

Gold Sky Workshop

12" x 12" Gold Leaf/Acrylic on Canvas

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending a painting class put on by my friends, Lynne & Kelli - also known as: Hershberger/Huff! They have opened a new studio/gallery in Ocala, and they've started having these Friday Night Painting Parties! For a very small fee, you can come and paint, eat, drink and just have a great time! Everything is provided - and it was so much fun!

Here are our hostesses and teachers! The horse is for "Horse Fever" - Lynne will be painting him!


Here is my beginning - they had already painted the canvas fuschia, and I had just applied the first of my gold leaf.

Some of the class - all in all, there were 10 students. Everyone did the same painting, but they were all different! What a great experience! I've wanted to learn this technique ever since I saw the first one that Lynne did - over a year ago.

Prelude

12" x 12" Acrylic on Canvas

You know, trying to learn to paint abstracts is so different from any other kind of painting. Usually, you have a photo or idea to paint from, and the painting actually looks like something that you've seen in real life!

I've been spending a lot of time looking in books and online at abstract paintings. I love seeing what different artists have done. But, of course, I don't want to copy anyone else's work - so I've been thinking of what I could do that would be different. Not having much luck in this!

So, here we are! This started out with an idea of dripping paint in all directions on this canvas. After looking at it for awhile, I started out applying darks - and soon, it took on a life of it's own. I can't say that I'm happy with the way it turned out, but I did enjoy the process. I'll always be searching for the "just right" technique that will be uniquely mine!

Gotta Get Creative!

Since I'm one of the "Creative Ones" at my church, I'm asked from time to time to do something creative!

When I had my Quilt Shop, I was asked to make 12 banners to hang in the Sanctuary. These were fun to make - very labor intensive - and after about 6, I was worn out. But, I carried on, and am very proud of my accomplishment!

I also offered watercolor painting lessons in the church, and did quite well with those last year. Now, I've been asked to do a very challenging creative thing - decorate (paint, collage, etc.) this wooden "Treasure Box" to hold the cash donations for our Capital Fund Campaign. I've been given carte blanche to do whatever I want to do! No direction, other than to make it beautiful!

So, of course, my creative juices have halted - screaming, "Nooooooo - don't make me!" I've been toying with a couple of scenerios - mainly collage, but am so afraid to start!

My granddaugher will be going home next Tuesday, so that may be the perfect time to start on this project. (I don't think I can delay it forever!) Wish me luck!

Playing!

This morning, I practiced a technique from Mary Todd Beam's book: "The Creative Edge" -

What fun! On gessoed watercolor paper, I scribbled 2 different fluid acrylic paints straight from the bottle onto the paper, then drew a line across the top with the 3rd color. Then, using a credit card, scraped the paint down to the bottom, and wiped the paint off onto a paper towel. Did this 3 times across the paper - and this is what I got!

The next step is to use another color (after it dries), and paint negatively to find some interesting shapes. I'm also drying the paper towels, and can use that as some collage in a future piece.

I'm so excited to be finally doing something with all the books I collected on my trip!

Love In The City

12" x 16" Acrylic/Collage on Canvas

I finally got into the studio last night! I haven't painted for several weeks now, and I decided that I just had to do SOMETHING to break the block I'm in! I've been sitting with this idea for awhile about hearts, but was somehow terrified to put paint on the canvas. So, I finally decided to just go for it, and see what happens!

I have been so mesmerized by Valerie's blog, My View from 1502 ! She is painting and posting every day for 1 year! I need to do something like that to make sure that I keep painting and learning, and not be so afraid that something I do just might not turn out good - and so what!?! Will the sun stop shining? Good Grief!

So, while I'm not quite there, yet - maybe there's hope for me if I would just do something - anything - every day to stretch myself creativly.

Haley's Art

My granddaughter, Haley, is visiting me for a couple of weeks. This is an art piece she did in art class last year. She has been a voracious drawer and painter ever since she could hold a crayon! She's 13 now, and going into 8th grade. This piece was done with oil pastels. I've ordered some for her, and as soon as they arrive, we will be making art!

I wish I had kept up with my early love of art and taken classes when I was her age. It's going to be so much fun to see where she goes with it!

Uh Oh!

So, my trip to Kansas City went well -- and I managed to drop a few coins on some new art books! You know, usually when I want a new book, I'll try to find it on Half.com, and hardly ever purchase one at FULL PRICE! But, when I'm on vacation, and I have a few bucks in my purse, I go crazy!!!

I'm so in love with Mixed Media (and it's still so new to me), that I want everything I can find on the subject! And, let me tell you, I found a lot! And, there's something that I want to experiment with in every one of these books. Now, if I could just find the time..........