The Talk

I decided that I wanted a piece of artwork that I saw in Pier One -- except it was too large for the place I wanted to put it.  So, I kind of copied it, in a size that would work.  I usually don't try to do this, and I would list the artist's name, but I can't find it on the photo that I took.  Oh well, it's not going on sale, and it's for my private use, so I hope my apology will be enough.  And, of course, it really isn't exactly  like the original.

I started with collaging, of course!  I love the way it always adds texture and shadows.

Then, I added white, ecru and blue paint to distress the collage.

Next, I worked on the Mama and Baby Birds.

And, played with it some more, and added distress ink around the

edges.  I think it worked out fine!  Now I need to hang it!

Artist Appreciation Month

I received a wonderful email the other day, from Marietta Gregg - she is the Marketing Director at Patience Brewster (and also Patience's daughter).  She made some very nice comments about my artwork, and asked me to blog about the artist(s) that have inspired me, since this is Artist Appreciation Month - which I did not know!

So, in order to do that, I have to go back to the beginning, which was about 8 years ago this fall.  I was retired, and really wanted to learn to paint.  I had done some things on my own, and with videos, but really needed some one-on-one instruction, so I headed to my local art supply store.  There, I found Carlynne Hershberger!  She and her friend, Kelli Money-Huff, offered a weekly workshop, for artists of all mediums.  I was in Heaven!

Below are just two of the many paintings that Carlynne helped me with, back when I was working in oil.  Later, she and Kelli helped me transition into watercolor, and later, she gave me a private class on acrylics!  I have always admired her work, and even though I no longer live in Florida, I follow her on Facebook to see what she is up to!  

I hope you will go to her blog, or her Etsy shop and see what this incredible artist (and friend) is involved with.  Carlynne, I thank you for sharing your amazing talent with me!

I started this piece almost a year ago -- I couldn't seem to finish it!  Today, I was looking in stores for some art to put in my newly painted kitchen (I was actually going to buy something!).  But, nothing worked - either it wasn't the right size or the right colors.

So, I knew that I had this in the studio, but just wasn't ever in the mood to work on it.  So, out it came, and I made myself do it.  Now, it hangs in my kitchen, and I like it!

Sorry I've been away for so long!

I haven't been in the Studio lately!  I've been so busy redoing some of the walls in my home.  My grandson, Colin, has been amazing at taking down all the wallpaper that was in most of the rooms.

 

 

First, we (my daughter and other grandkids helped out, too) painted the Front Hall - and all the way down the bedroom hall, then, after the wallpaper was down, painted the Living Room.

 

 

 

 

 

Next, we had some major work done in the hall bathroom.  There wasn't a shower, so we had a quartz surround put in.  There was also a wallpaper border around the room, which Colin removed.  Painted, changed out the fixtures, mirror and lighting - and now I love it!

 

 

 After painting the Hearth Room, we started on the kitchen.  It was also covered in wallpaper.  This one was a lot harder to get down -- it had been attached directly to the wall board.  And I have yet to start painting.  I have to sand all the walls and wipe them down with vinegar and water.

 

 Yesterday, we decided to take down the wallpaper in a bedroom!  Then, I'll clean all the walls and get to painting!

 

So, I guess I've been painting -- just not artfully!

Second Class

So we are still a class of Three!  My friend, Rebecca, couldn't make it after all.  Her work schedule just keeps changing.  But, again, it's fine with me, this class of three!  As you can see, we worked on landscapes.  It's kind of hard, knowing that we just have 4 classes to teach as much as they can absorb, so that they will want to continue.  Who knows - they might decide to do another 4 classes.

Sharon (the abstract artist), Stu (the oil painter) and Karen (who wants to paint flowers)

Such a fun group!

New Watercolor Class

So today starts another Beginning Watercolor Class - this time I'm holding it in a cute little shop, "Roost on 7", close by my home.  We were only able to get three students, but my friend, Rebecca will be joining us next week.  Actually, I don't think we could have gotten many more in the small space - and I really like being able to be hands-on with a small group!

Karen, Stu and Sharon

And, they all have the same last name - but only Stu and Sharon are related! (Husband and Wife)  Karen and Sharon are new to art, but Stu has been painting in Oils and Acrylics - and does woodburning!  Such nice people!  We have 3 more weeks to go, and then we'll see what's next.

The Final Two

So, now I have 6 Encaustic/Collage boards to send off to Under The Cherry Blossoms in Mount Dora, FL.  I just have to attach the hanging wires.  And, finish making cards and fabric bowls - maybe I'll get them all sent down next week.

While I've enjoyed working with the wax this past week, I think I'll give it a rest for now.  We're having such good weather, and I need to start cleaning up the yard and garden beds and get ready for the planting season!

Choose Joy

Now that I've determined that collage is what I want to do with the wax on these boards, I'm so relieved!  I've got a lot of ideas, and hopefully, I can make enough to sell in Mount Dora!

Love Deeply

I've been busy today!  Once I got this one in my head, I just had to get it done!  So, this is another 7" x 12" board done with collage and wax.  I love it when I figure out what works -- then I want to get them all done and sent off!  I'm still figuring out how to do the hanging stuff, but I think it will be cool!

I received another encaustic video today - I'll watch it tonight.  It's by Patricia Baldwin Seggebruch - I've bought and read her book, so I doubt there will be anything new on it, but it will be good to watch her work.

Wax and Collage

So, I'm really not sure where I'm going with this medium.  Yesterday, I tried a texture piece with encaustic paints - and decided that I really don't like working with the paints.  Also, as much as I would love to be an abstract artist, I don't seem to be one!

Telling a story with collage is the thing that I really love to do - so to marry it with the wax seems like the best fit for me!  I've got all these 7" x 12" boards, so I'm thinking that I'll make a series of these collages for Mount Dora.  Stay tuned......

Day Three

Day Three -- Another collage.  This time, I used a board that Eric cut for me yesterday.  It had some great worm holes, so I didn't cover it in encaustic gesso.  I wanted to see what it would look like to leave some of the board showing.  I also used some ribbon, gold thread and stickers, as well as a touch of alcohol ink.

Still need a lot of practice -  don't have a smooth finish yet.

Day 2 - Encaustic

Man, I wish I could take a class on this medium!  I decided to do a whole piece using collage.  First, I thought I could use one of my painted tissue papers for the background, but I had a hard time getting it to stick down.  Could be because it was painted with acrylic paint.  So, I used a Tim Holtz tissue paper - it worked better.  Then used a napkin for the flowers - napkins are the best!  They go right down and stick!  The bird is from a download, then copied on my printer.  It did ok, but still didn't stick the way I wanted it to.

Today, my son came over and cut up a few pieces of plywood that I had -- so now I have lots of practice boards to play with!  I also ordered a new DVD on encaustic.  Hopefully soon, I'll understand how to use this stuff!

Playing with Wax

So, we went to the art supply store - and I got an R & F kit that had almost everything I needed to play with.  But, of course, it is winter here still - and the shed was very chilly to work in.  I took a small heater out there, and it kept blowing the circuits.  I guess the shed has it's own little power source.  Finally, I ran the long outside extension cord and hooked it up to the house with success!

Back to the encaustic - so much fun!  I only took a few things out there to experiment with, but what little I did made me excited to play more tomorrow!  I really wish there was a class I could take, but I guess I'll just have to make do with books and videos.

Setting up the Encaustic Studio

We have this cool shed in the backyard.  The former owner used it for a workshop, so it has lights, power and a ceiling fan -- even has a telephone!  And, I can use the left side for my work, and there is still plenty of room on the right for all the lawn stuff that lives in there.  I think it will be a perfect place to do encaustic art!  Both doors can open - I just wish it had windows!  Maybe someday.....

So, it's a little chilly right now - but we're supposed to get some better temps starting tomorrow.  I might have to move a little heater in for awhile!  A friend and I are going downtown to the art supply store today, so I'll get all the art supplies for this little endeavor.  I'm so anxious to get started!

"Sing Me Home"

8" x 8" Collage on Gallery Wrapped Canvas

I was inspired to make this collage after I saw some similar pieces in a gift shop.  After making it, I realized that I was also inspired by all the Encaustic Art that I've been seeing lately.  I really wanted it to have that hazy, dreamy quality, but didn't know exactly how to get it.

So, of course, I had to find out all about this wax-using art form!  I've been reading every book I can find on the subject, and watching every YouTube video there is on encaustic.  I'm finally ready to bite the $$ bullet and just go for it!

My goal is to make some small encaustic works that I can sell in Mount Dora (that's always my end-game!).  I've got so many ideas in my head that I'm about to explode!  But, I've never even seen an encaustic piece in person, so I don't know how it would ship -  or how it would look in a shop setting.   I hope it works, cause it is an expensive undertaking.  Stay tuned............

Watercolor Practice

I haven't played with watercolor for a very long time.  But, I might be starting a Beginning Watercolor Class in February at a local shop.  To that end, I thought it might be prudent to see if I can still use the medium!  

I chose this subject from a watercolor book - and discovered that while my drawing skills still need improving, I did truly enjoy painting the piece!  I will play some more, and hopefully, be able to help students learn to love this type of painting.