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..........

Kansas City Awaits!

Tomorrow, I will be in the beautiful City of Fountains - Kansas City! It's my annual visit with my kids and grandkids. I'm looking forward to it, as I always do!

Update on my last post on Joplin: My son reported that they did all that they can do for now. Authorities have halted individual clean-ups, since there are still people missing, and might be under any rubble. Matt and Kerry and family have moved to a hotel where there is power, and all of their family seems to be safe and in better spirits.

Again, please keep the people of Joplin in your thoughts and prayers.

My Joplin Connection

This is a photo of my son, Eric and his wife, Mary. Mary's entire family lives in Joplin, Missouri.

Her mother and father and brother live in a house close by her sister Kerry and husband Matt and their two children. Eric and Mary live in Lee's Summit, Mo, a suburb of Kansas City.

Yesterday, Kerry and Matt and their children were in their basement as the tornado destroyed their home above them. They managed to get out of their home safely, without injuries. Mary's parents were also spared any injuries - and I think their home was also spared. I don't have any details on Matt's parents, yet.

This morning, Eric and Mary were gathering up supplies and driving to Joplin. I haven't heard yet if they were able to get into Joplin.

This event has shaken me more that I would like to admit. I've lived most of my life in Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri - spent many hours in basements when the sirens blew, and never experienced a tornado. I never knew anyone who was in this particular kind of Hell. I have led a very blessed life, never coming into contact with accidents, violence or major weather drama. Just a week without power during an ice storm and another one during some hurricane fly-by. Big deal!

I'm so grateful that none of my extended family was hurt during this event, but I know that they will still be struggling to rebuild their home and town. I feel so insigificant and useless. I'll be leaving Saturday for Kansas City for my annual grandkid fix - maybe then I can discover what I can do to help. The good news is that I'll be bringing my granddaughter, Haley, home with me for a couple of weeks.

See you on the flip-side! Please say a prayer for all those affected in Joplin.

Nothing to Report!

I realized that it's been over 2 weeks since I last posted. Boy, how time flies! I haven't been painting much - just painted some more papers and I'm almost ready to start my next flower (this time it's a Bird of Paradise), and hopefully soon, I'll get back in the studio and finish it!

We were in Tallahassee last week for a few days - and when I got back, I had about 25 shows to watch that I recorded! So, there's been a lot of TV watching this weekend! Now, I'm burned out of that, and really want to read and finish the novel I started on the trip. Too many things to do, so little time! I've also been reading a book called "Art & Fear" - "Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking", by David Bayles & Ted Orland. Verrrry Interesting!

Purple ConePOWer!

Finally got back in the studio today and finished my second paper painting! I really wanted to finish it last week, but then my brother & wife came for a visit, and we ran all over the place! Then, I needed a few days to recover - and before I knew it, a week had passed!

So, today is the only day this week that I have nowhere to go, so I MADE myself finish the painting! Here it is before any paper was glued on:


And, here is how it looks now! I love this technique, and I've got plans to do 2 more in this 12" square format, and then we'll see. I'd like to try to do something larger - just not sure of the subject matter.