Sunday, July 30, 2006

Monday isn't here and my schedule is full!


I taught all last week and thought this week would be free for my own art and regular chores but now I'm doing a backdrop for church, teaching one day, meeting a friend, getting oil changed, and on and on and on.
When will I ever learn to say NO!(?) Probably never!
Meanwhile here are some more of my funny heritage women.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

another day another dollar


I am teaching an art camp this week and I really would rather be making my own art but instead I am trying to get 13 busy elementary kids to appreciate art, instruction and opportunity. Four days left and I am wiped out. I still had time to work on some lettering last night as I sat in front of mindless TV trying to unwind and get ready to sleep.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

I think I'm on to something new


How in the world can I get my ideas out there and published and start making a living doing what I love? Is it even possible. I keep trying and dreaming and playing and maybe someday.....Here's a new image, using markers, Crayola Colorwash, regular Crayola and various others.

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

New series-Name?



I have been obsessed with a female doll pattern from Somerset Studios Workshop. I have traced it, doodled on it (inspired by Traci Bautista's new book - Collage Unleashed), put it on canvas, watercolor paper, etc.
I don't know where it is leading but I am having fun and know a new series is developing. I even think I will buy a HUGE canvas and paint it (my design teacher is always telling me to work larger.) I also learned that the Crayola Color Explosion markers will erase some other markers which really adds lots of neat detail to drawings. Try it and let me know
what you think. And what do I call the? At present I am calling them Heritage Women for lack of a better name. Here are some samples.

Sunday, July 16, 2006

I need more time and energy


My mind is exploding with ideas and there just isn't enough time and energy for it all but I AM NOT GIVING UP! Why can't I just admit I am a full time artist and punch the clock at 8 AM, go to the studio (spare room) and create for 4 hours. Have lunch. Paint, collage, sketch, frame, etc. for 4 more hours and even put in overtime at night?
One day I will! And maybe even make a living at it! Here's a self portrait I did last year about this time!

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Ready or not!


How do you ever decide if a piece of art is finished? Maybe you can't. Maybe no one can but at some point you move on. You either have no further ideas to express with it, no more things to possibly add (less is more) or you are just plain tired of looking at it. I like to place a piece I'm considering finished in another place other than my studio and go by several times a day and look at it with different light and eyes. This also keeps me from fiddling, picking up the brush or another element for collaging. This usually helps me more than anything. I also have a dear number of friends (artists, teacher, realist) who can look at it objectively and give me feedback, critique and still make me feel like I have accomplished something nice.
Here is my latest piece I am considering finished. Feel free to comment!

The Pocket Book Reader for Virginia Woolf.

"I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process."
Vincent van Gogh

Monday, July 03, 2006

Quantity Vs Quality



I choose both but due to time quantity is a problem. I have so many ideas and not even enough time to write them all down but I seldom have a lack of something to do. If only I could work an 8 hour day with art and not feel like I was wasting time. Maybe I'd actually start to sell more if I did this. Marketing is not my strong suit but I can truly produce quite a bit when given the chance...
I would love responses of how you feel about quantity, quality, time, etc.
Meanwhile, here is another project in the works for my collaborative journal project. I call it A Woman's Center.