Interactive Journal for the Young at Heart

After many hours of work my first book is published!  I was inspired to create this interactive journal for my sister Rhema, who just recently retired.  I wanted to give her a gift that would keep giving!  Each page has a prompt, quote or activity (to keep the mind active) and is loaded with illustrated  quotes.  One of the things I love most about this journal is the legacy left for future generations.  It is designed to help you see what it is that matters most to you and what you would still like to accomplish in life, but there are also pages that take you back in time to reflect on some special moments.  At 150 pgs. most people will take about 4-5 months to work their way through the pages.  I am hoping by then, to have a second edition available.    

Mixing Pencil Sketch with Canvas; Face Study

Face Study

 

 

As an artist, I think it is important to try new techniques and ideas.  I made a large canvas and painted it with a tan acrylic paint.  It hung on my wall for weeks as I tried to decided what to paint.  I love sketching and pencil work and even like the illustrations on how to draw a face, etc.  I actually like the lines left in and think it adds an interesting element to the sketch.  I got out my pencil the other day, after about my third cup of coffee and started sketching.  I wanted to convey raw art and really liked the tones and simplicity of the piece.  Once I finished my sketch I sprayed it with an acrylic matt finish to protect the pencil lines and prevent smudging.  Two of my daughters pointed out to me that the painting looked like an older version of my grand daughter.  I will let you be the judge. 

My sweet grand daughter

  Perhaps I have her sweet face in my sub-conscience and her likeness ended up on my painting.  Her sweet outfit was made by my youngest daughter and my middle daughter is the photographer.  I am so proud of my kids and the creativity they have. 

Mermaids and Sirens

Siren's Call

Since I was a child I have always been fascinated by mermaids.  I loved when the National Geographic special came out titled "Mermaids the body found" and was glued to the TV.  I have to admit, I bought it, hook, line and sinker :) and was really disappointed to learn it was not based on real evidence.  Whether they really exist or not, it is a wonderful myth and mysteries always intrigue us.   For centuries there have been stories and legends and since we know so little of our seas and what creatures really exist, it is easy to believe (especially for those of us that have over active imaginations).  I started this canvas as an abstract work and left a layer to dry.  I was teaching a Zentangle class at the time and decided it would be interesting to combine a woman's face with  Zentangle inspired hair using colors you see in the sea.    I left her skin pale because I imagined that  she has spent her life under the water.   What I love about this work is the mixture of techniques and styles.    

Making my own canvas and abstract art.

Inferno

Lost at Sea

Found a nice round bolt of white thick fabric at a thrift store.  Love when I get a deal on things I need.  I bought 2 x 3 x 6 furring strips and made a simple framework.  I then used a stapler to stretch the fabric and staple it to the frame.  I put a coat of gesso on let it dry then began my paintings.  The beauty of making your own canvas is that you can make larger frames at an affordable price.   I have to admit that they are not stretched as tight as the store bought frames and hopefully with practice and time I can learn to make them tighter.   As an artist it is important to keep track of trends and what sells.  There is some debate on whether or not you should do this and personally I like creating what I like regardless of whether or not anyone else likes it.  But..... while that is what I like to do, I have to sell art to fund my creative passions.  I read somewhere that people like red and art with red tends to sell more than some other colors.   I took a close look at what I generally create, the predominate colors are blues and greens.  I know that stems from my love of the sea.   I have had a lot of fun creating some of the abstract works and decided to try reds, oranges, yellows in the work titled "Inferno".  The finished product reminded me of a lava flow and the name just popped into my head.   To give my eyes a rest, the next painting I used my familiar blues and greens and the finished result looked like turbulent seas, thus the title: "Lost at Sea".     Both of these works are larger than I usually paint and measure: 18 x 31.  They are currently hanging at: Across the Tracks, artist market in Livingston, TX 

Pointillism - Deer , Fox and Homesteading Update

Buck

Fox Trot

No excuses!  I know it has been a little while since my last post.  In the meantime, many of you know we have been working on our tiny house.  We now have an ac that actually works (we have been having 100 degree days) and a cute little stained glass window in one of the sleeping lofts.

Front of the Tiny House

Experimental Garden

 I have also built some cute window boxes and my husband decided we needed a heat shield and added in the camo awning!  Agh.  He assured me it is temporary, just to see if it helps.  I hate to admit it does.  But really, camo?  I would understand it we were at a hunting lodge on a deer lease, etc.  I really have to come up with something that is cute! Eventually, we are planning on a cute little porch but in the meantime, camo it is. We have also been experimenting with gardening ideas and found one that really looks like it might work.  Water is a precious commodity to us (we collect rain water and haul in drinking water) and I have been amazed how little water this system uses and how moist the soil stays.  I thought we would try some fall crops just to see it it will work.  Basically, we have a 2 x 4 frame, then stapled plastic inside, lined with rocks and put soil in Wal-mart bags.  The  bags act as a wick and keep the soil moist and from what I have read also air trim the roots.  The 5 gal. bucket in the center has a small (pencil) sized hole near the bottom to allow the water to flow into the rocks.  My husband is building an airtight watering system for me that I will post once it is completed.  It will help with an evaporation and allow me to load up the water and not have to worry about it for probably over a week. Nice.   Surprisingly, I have managed to create some new pieces and even taught a class at Sew Fancy in Livingston featuring the Buck, Egret and Fox Pointillism.  What I love about pointillism, is it is not an exact science and allows students to start looking for the tonal differences in the objects they are painting.  Even is someone does not have a steady hand this particular style works.  I am really proud of the progress  the students have made.  If you want to take a look at some of the students finished projects type in Sew Fancy Livingston, TX on Facebook to take a look. 

Palm Tree and Fish Kissing Canvas ACEO Original Art Cards

Kissing Fish

Oasis

Two more canvas mini art works.  These original ACEO carrds are on canvas and I used acrylic for the main body of the work.  I did however, do a watercolor was on the kissing fish.  I was not sure this would work but liked the muted affect.  It is important that you seal your work when finished, especially when they are tiny enough to be handled.  I found I do not have room to include a full signature so decided to put my initials on the front and full signature on the back.  My Limited Edition Prints on Ebay start at .99 cents but Originals will start at 4.99.  I have seen Original ACEO cards go for over 5,000.00  Wow!  Don't get your hopes too high, most sell between 5.00 - 30.00.  Since we all want to stay inspired and constantly improve our own skills I look at this as a wonderful way to get paid to do what I would do anyway.  Collectors get to enjoy the mini art pieces and I get more practice.  Win - Win.

New Starfish and Jelly Fish Original ACEO Canvas Cards

Starfish Bright

Jelly Dance

I purchased some canvas sheets from Hobby Lobby and cut my own Art Trading Cards or ACEO's.  They are always 2.5 x 3.5" and I found that you get more for your money by making your own.  Of course, you can do the same thing with Watercolor, Mixed Media or Drawing paper.  I have had some success listing ACEO Limited Edition Prints on Ebay and thought I would give ACEO Original's a try.  This little mini art fits in perfectly with my desire to create every single day.  While having my morning coffee I will often listen to relaxing music and play with mini art.  It is important for the collector that you include the title, date, medium, signature on the back.  I always also include a stamp with my website address.  I did find that canvas is a bit trickier to work with this small  and I admire some of the artists that get really detailed.  I will try to update you with new creations as I go along and hope to inspire fellow artists out there to take a few minutes and create each day.