Lauren Everett Finn~Artwork and Artplay

Between Worlds... color play

2012-01-21T19:36:00.000-05:00

"Between Worlds" 6x6"
acrylic on canvas panel; (c)2012 L. Everett Finn

I taught a color workshop last week...and all that color mixing inspired me here. Unusual for me... not counting on strong value contrast to carry things.

What to do with your lame paintings....

2011-12-16T14:31:00.000-05:00

Make cards or gift tags out of your lame paintings...

Robert Genn suggests burning your paintings that miss the mark... but I have another idea.

You can vent your frustrations by taking scissors or a craft knife to the paintings and then re-purposing them....

Make up some gift tags by cutting out some simple shapes and glue or tape them together. (I used double stick tape) The "To: and From:" can be written on the flip side with a sharpie marker.

...or make some cards by cutting out ornament shapes and hanging them on a tree branch drawn with colored pencils. (The "bad painting" ornaments can be cut out of canvas as well as paper.)

You can make the card by quarter folding a piece of printer paper. The envelopes are "invitation" size and can be purchased at any office supply store.

So instead of a bonfire...(though that sounds sort of good on this snowy, chilly day)

...snip snip snip... glue glue glue and spread some holiday cheer.

No Peeking While Drawing

2011-11-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Blind Contour Drawing.... What it is... and how it can help you!

Blind contour drawing is drawing the outside edges of something, without looking at the paper. Let your eyes travel the edges of your subject, and let your pencil match the speed of your eyes. It's almost a trust exercise with yourself. The hardest part about it is NOT LOOKING!

Put on your non-judgmental hat... seriously, you'll need it. :)

And why would anyone want to do this exercise?

Because it trains your eyes to really look at the edges of something, and you'll probably end up with some very interesting drawings that you can then develop into some very interesting paintings!

Click here for more detailed instruction.

My friend and fantastic artist, Margaret Stermer-Cox, introduced me to "Blind Contour Friday's." She's very dedicated to maintaining and improving her drawing skills with daily practice. If you want to improve quickly, daily drawing is the very best way to go about it. Check out what she does here.
Thanks for letting me share your terrific blog here, Peggy!

Honoring Honor...a fundraiser

2011-11-14T06:05:00.001-05:00

“Once upon a time, there was an artist living in Honor, Michigan. (ummmm that would be ME) She read about the Honor Area Restoration project (HARP), a group of citizens that were dedicated to making things better where they lived. “How can I help?” she asked herself. Her skill was art making, so she decided to do a series of paintings depicting local scenes and the “Honoring Honor” series was born. $5 from every print;$3 from each note card set; and 50 cents from each individual card sold,will be donated directly to HARP.”
Click HERE if you are interested in buying a print or note-card of the images pictured. Or maybe forward the link to anyone you know that vacations here! THANK YOU!

Look Ma, No Palette! Painting directly with the tube

2011-11-09T08:06:00.000-05:00

I came across this idea in a book called "Watercolor Wisdom" by Jo Taylor. (See the book here.) It's a really fun way to start off a painting.
First, you might want to have some idea of where your light, medium and dark values will go... then squeeze and drag the pure gooey pigment along some of the edges... (or you could use a palette knife)

Next, load a big brush with just water, and stroke the drippy brush over the wet paint, mixing the colors on the paper. Keep adding clean water (rinse your brush) to the moist paint on the paper, pushing and mixing the colors in the direction you want them to go.

I added some scraping too, in the example below. It's not quite finished... but is a good start to finish up later!

Next time you are scratching your head trying to decide what to paint... grab a couple of tubes of paint and draw with them directly onto the paper... Then all you need add is water!

5 things to try when a painting isn't working

2011-10-28T09:48:00.001-04:00

When something is bothering you with a painting and you just can't put your finger on what it is......
What do you do?
Well, these are some of the things I do...

1. Look at the painting in a mirror. It's amazing how all of a sudden the 'errors of your ways' becomes apparent.

2. Look at your painting upside down... and if you are working with a reference image, turn that upside down too. BINGO! Your inaccuracy's are somehow easier to spot in the "inverted position". (nod to Top Gun)

3. Take a digital photo and look at it on the computer... I don't know why this works... but I can't tell you the number of times I go to post an image, and whoa... I can spot an error or area of a painting that needs a bit more work before posting.

4. Once you have the image on the computer... If you have any photo editing software... play around with your wacky ideas on the virtual painting... This method is especially helpful for me if I have a lot of hours into a piece...You can be very bold and try all those "what if's" without actually touching the painting. Some very creative solutions can happen this way.

5. Start a critique group.... This is a group of artists (not necessarily all painters) that schedule meetings to do a sort of "show and tell." If you're stuck... Your critique group friends will help you sort out what's wrong. They also cheer you on, and motivate you with their efforts. I really miss my critique buddies since we've moved. sniff sniff. But this is such a valuable group (both personally and professionally) that I'll be sure to find like minded peeps here in northern MI. It's a goal.

This photo has nothing to do with the article I just posted... but the berries this year are glorious and I wanted to share. :)

Midnight Bouquet

2011-10-27T08:04:00.000-04:00

I had started this one as a demo for my Acrylic 101 class at Crystal Lake Art Center... and finished it last week. Kind of a fun color combo. The painting started on a purple and magenta background, and I think that's why the colors seem to glow. I just put this one up for sale on Etsy if you're interested.

Gouache Ink Resist... Peterson Road Beach

2011-10-21T16:04:00.003-04:00

And here's the newest gouache ink resist painting..."Peterson Beach."

This beach is a nice 40 minute walk from our house over to Lake Michigan...My plan for these gouache ink resist pieces, is to offer prints and cards, giving a portion of the money to HARP. (Honor Area Restoration Project) I'll be sure to let you know all about it as the series unfolds. :)

Color Inspiration...

2011-10-21T09:03:00.004-04:00

On Friday's I'm going to publish some of the "idea sparklers" from my weekly newsletter. These are painting ideas for you to use in your own work. Happy Friday!
From August 2010 newsletter....

"Today's Idea spark-ler is from a blog post I wrote last summer...I'm inspired by my surroundings, and think that this is a fun way to decide your palette for a painting session....Here's an excerpt from the post:"On my walk yesterday morning, I found this gorgeous lichen (see photo below) growing on a branch that fell into the driveway. I just loved the colors of it and decided that I wanted to use those colors for this painting... So my palette was chosen by nature.... so far.I try not to box myself in with these early decisions....It's a starting point. If the painting works within this palette, great! But if I decide to go in a different color direction, that's OK too....The main thing is to just start somewhere! Put that brush to paper and GO!"

Fast Forward almost a year... I really loved that 'start' from last year (pictured above)... and arguably could have stopped there...But it wasn't meant to be... Here's where I ended up with it. And since it won an honorable mention in the ArtCenter of Traverse City's "It's not just material" show last month...It was meant to be re-worked. :) hehehe"

Keep Climbing
15 x 15
Mixed Media on Paper

Friday Fun... groceries are not just for eating

2011-10-14T08:42:00.001-04:00

I'm starting a new thing... On Friday's I'm going to publish some of the "idea sparklers" from my weekly newsletter. These are painting ideas for you to use in your own work. Happy Friday!

Groceries are not just for eating.... (published November 2010)
There is a terrific small seasonal market about 15 minutes from the house called The Market Basket. (Right next door to the Cherry Hut) There's always bushels of seasonal fruit and veggies outside the store to entice you to stop. (They also happen to have the best shortcake biscuits)
I stopped yesterday to check out their selection of gourds and pumpkins and I wasn't disappointed. I also got a couple branches of bittersweet! Beautiful stuff.

So last night, in my sketchbook... I decided to lay out some compositions using my purchased bounty.

This first one, I began with a red pencil and did a blind contour drawing, then corrected the wonky lines and filled in with my small watercolor kit and more colored pencil work. Kind of fun... just a warm up, and the yellow gourd looks like a pear. oops.

In sketch #2 I've adjusted the arrangement and added a crow. I've never painted a crow, and will have to look at some reference images to make it more crow-like, but this is just a sketch. I'm just trying play around with placement and composition and brain storming.

I like this idea a bit better... Not the colors... but the idea. Note that I've grown the yellow "pear" gourd a little larger. I think I'll run with this idea in an acrylic painting or acrylic collage. It just might be the painting for next week!

So, have a good look at your groceries when you bring them home. Even if you didn't purchase just for painting, like I did... You might find some interesting still life subjects.

Now, I'm off to look for crows....

Last Week's Newsletter....Will you please control your edges? :)

2011-10-07T07:32:00.000-04:00

You can find last week's newsletter HERE.

Moondance

2011-09-29T17:20:00.001-04:00


"Moondance" 28x22" Acrylic on Canvas (c)2011 LEF

I started this one a couple of years ago and then it just sat there. I liked the idea, but needed the moon to be actually round... which it wasn't...(and that isn't as easy to paint as it sounds.) So, I started back at it last week and finished it up. I'm patting myself on the back for persevering.

The milkweed leaves look like they have "jazz hands"...which makes me laugh but support the title.

"Moondance" will be part of Glen Arbor Art Association's show next weekend (October 7 through the 9th) They are participating in Leelanau's "Fall for Art" event. Moondance is very excited to show itself after such a long wait in the wings.

Glimpses of fall color... the show is beginning!

2011-09-21T07:06:00.001-04:00

The blueberry bushes are beginning to show their fall colors in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore park.... And I'm starting to see touches of orange and red here and there in the trees. I love this time of year... color addict that I am.

And Major is sporting his fall colors as well.... romping through the park is his favorite.

2011-09-15T11:27:00.001-04:00

It's Newsletter Day!... click here to read all about it.

And Miles To Go Before I Sleep

2011-09-03T11:16:00.000-04:00

It's a BIG 'un (36 x 43 inches).... There is a two track road that we ski by to get to the park. (Spencer Road) I've always loved this spot...There's something about the tree sheltered pathway across the swamp.

One of the things I wanted to work on this year is using neutrals...so I'm patting myself on the back today. Lookie there... just grayed and neutral colors. I had to sit on my hands so I would not paint a cardinal sitting on one of the branches. (hehehe)

Please quit painting and walk me.

2011-09-02T11:28:00.000-04:00

Want. Walk. Now.....

Cherry Bowl Drive-In Movie

2011-08-29T15:02:00.000-04:00

I'm done, I think...

Gouache Ink Resist...the Cherry Bowl Drive - In

2011-08-24T15:22:00.000-04:00

CHERRY BOWL work in progress 7x5" gouache ink resist 2011 Lauren Everett Finn

We have a very cool drive-in theater here in Honor, called the Cherry Bowl....I've begun this one a bit differently than my normal gouache ink resist process. Color coming next.... stay tuned! (I'll be teaching this process at Crystal Lake Art Center on Nov. 7th if you're interested.)

Wine Label...with my painting of the dock on it!

2011-08-23T15:45:00.000-04:00

He he he he.... this tickles me... I hope you can click to enlarge the photo so you can see the label... It's one of my paintings of the dock. (and how tacky of me to leave the orange price sticker on there!) My dear friend found the wine in Ann Arbor and got me a bottle. (I have a case of it at the distributor's in Oxford, but I haven't made it downstate to go pick it up.) What fun, eh?

3 Dog Afternoon...

2011-08-20T08:53:00.000-04:00

This photo cracked me up.... Major (ours) on the left... cousin KT and cousin Gordon watching for my aunt Carol... the lady with the goodies. She made Major his very own monogrammed travel bag... it's da bomb, or as Major said "Ritz ra romb!"

Fairy Hammocks....

2011-07-19T10:53:00.001-04:00

Fairy Hammocks..... really.... what else could you call them?

Hot, Hazy, Humid up here in Honor.... Keep cool, friends!

Daylight Moonlight

2011-07-13T07:12:00.000-04:00

Last week's newsletter....

All my bags are packed... I'm ready to go...
Off to Ann Arbor to visit with girlfriends for a couple of days... If you listen...you'll probably hear us laughing. :)

Re-Fashion Show.....

2011-07-04T11:14:00.000-04:00

Re-fashioned dress army uniform and shoes

Crystal Lake Art Center put on a "Re-Fashion Show" last Thursday evening in downtown Frankfort. (At the theater) What a fun event, with all proceeds benefiting the Art Center.

The garments went from the classically beautiful to hysterically quirky and funny! All made from re-cycled materials. Move over Project Runway. LOL

My donation was a re-fashioned dress army uniform... with poppies as my theme... The poppies were made from re-cycled Christmas napkins that had been my mom's.... a REALLY bright red. The rest of the patterning was acrylic paint. I took off the epaulets and made belt loops to hold a wrap belt, made from the dress pants. I also used the black ribbon trim from the sides of the pants to cover up the button holes of the jacket. The black patten leather shoes were covered in gesso and red acrylic paint... leaving the black patten polka dots peeking through. Happily, the outfit sold that night. Whoo hoo!

The whole evening was a success.... well attended, and lots of fun!

Within 5 Miles of Home....

2011-06-10T13:06:00.000-04:00


"Indian Hill Road Across From Carol's" ~ 10 x 10 watercolor

This one has a nice springy feeling to it... but I'm a bit rusty with the watercolors. If you want to see what else I've been up to... click the link. :)
Newsletter... within 5 miles of home.

First Victim...

2011-05-12T14:01:00.000-04:00

Karen's Teddy ~ 8x8 Acrylic

in my new series "Well Loved"
hehehe.... this just tickles me. He looks a bit startled. I think he's finished though it's not signed yet. Thanks so much Karen for sharing your Teddy's picture with me. If any of you would like to send me a photo of your well loved childhood friends, please do!

I see little leaf-ies!

2011-05-10T07:47:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's walk to Loon Lake (in sleeping bear park). I love this particular tree...it has the most glorious twisted trunk. He's (she's?) on the schedule to have her (his?) portrait painted.

Subjects for a new series....

2011-05-07T07:33:00.004-04:00

Well Loved... a new series!

Many of us have kept our childhood "lovey"...that thing that gave us comfort when we were small. I have my "Brown Teddy" (who is next in line for his portrait) My sister has "Whitey" her floppy stuffed dog. (for two rather creative people...I laugh at the un-original names for our best stuffed friends)

I want to pay tribute to these important parts of our lives. The worn and tattered friends that received our hugs and secrets and tears and joys...the much loved friends that helped us endure those scary nights, and protected us from what was under the bed...and in the closet.

Do you have a stuffed friend that supported you through your childhood?

I'd love you to send me a photo of him or her. They could be immortalized as part of this new series.

You aren't under any obligation to buy the painting! I just want to paint your friends. :) The more raggedy the better...

Karen's Teddy.... (thank-you!)

Show of violets...

2011-05-05T06:18:00.000-04:00

spread of violets on Deadstream Rd. in Honor

This photo does not do them justice... but I'm posting it anyway. I'm paying tribute and celebrating this gorgeous purple bonanza of violets down the street from me. Does my heart good to see such loveliness.

Quote of the Day: "It's only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis." ~Margaret Bonnano

Re-thinking your scheduling

2011-05-03T16:35:00.000-04:00

This morning's walk was one of those walks where the ideas come at me faster than I can get them recorded (on my phone)... Tons of good painting ideas... I was fired up and ready to go! But the schedule I'm trying to stick to is walking first ..doing other household stuff and other exercising (trying to lose a bit of this winter coat)
THEN making my way down to the studio around 10...less fired up than I would have been right after my walk.

So now I'm re-thinking that schedule.... I should be taking advantage of the creative momentum gained right away and head down to the studio immediately! Most of you are probably thinking... "well, duh Lauren." But how often do we stop and think if there is a better way to go about things.... I guess in my case... not enough. :D

From today.... loved the figure 8

Royally Hopeful and Happy.... I needed that.

2011-04-29T13:24:00.000-04:00

I didn't think I was interested in watching the wedding...but then someone on Face-book mentioned "the hats" and I had to have my coffee with the Royals. It was a delightful way to break the day. I was struck by what a hopeful event it was... Beautiful and happy... I really needed that. Thanks Britain...much appreciated.

And on another hopeful and happy note...lookie here! The Riverside is getting ready for all the canoe and kayak river riders! I do believe this is a sure sign of spring....Yee Haw!

When you think you're finished...but you're not.

2011-04-27T13:40:00.000-04:00

decided it was not done (signature was put on with Photo-shop)

I thought I was finished with this one last week....But this morning, I saw that the right side needed something for balance. After I painted on the circle...then I got out the paint pens... and I have a hard time quitting once the paint pens are out...so a few more somethings were added. I think it's better now....And it's in the truly finished pile waiting to be varnished.

I'm superstitious about signing my work. If there is any doubt as to whether a painting is finished, I hold off. I want my signature to be the very last thing added. This baby is actually signed now. :)

"Doubles" ~ Acrylic on Yupo ~ 6.5x6.5 inches

Sight for my color starved eyes....

2011-04-23T08:28:00.001-04:00

Crystal Gardens, Frankfort MI

Bopped around the garden center yesterday.... in 2 layers of coats and hat and gloves. I was rewarded with this trailer full of spring time glories.... My eyes did the cartoon "BO-ING" thing. They just didn't know what to make of all that glorious color. AND... after I purchased a couple of things...they gave me a free Easter Lily.... How about that... Thanks Crystal Gardens! Happy Easter to you too!

Tree Embrace....work in progress

2011-04-22T05:59:00.000-04:00


Tree Embrace - Work in Progress - 15x15 - Acrylic on Paper

I have a thing for trees.... always have. They are sort of like dogs...happy to see me...they wag their limbs at me on breezy days...very comforting. This is the first in a new series about my wooden buddies.

Empire Dunes work in progress

2011-04-14T11:59:00.000-04:00

work in progress

I found a very cool little beach area (Village Park) in Empire, MI... They were getting the sand all swept off the parking lots etc. getting ready for the season. This is South Bar Lake...Lake Michigan is behind us. Love the grassy hillocks, and the pure spring sunshine. I'm almost finished here... I'll just let it rest a bit to see if I need to add any more grassy bits.... It's hard to stop once I get started with those grassy bits.

ice amoebas...

2011-04-01T08:42:00.000-04:00

I'm calling these "ice amoebas"

I have no idea what made them form...other than freezing and thawing. They look like line drawings of land masses to me. After the warm day yesterday...(40's whoohoo) they have disappeared.

oh... and if you're interested... here's a link to yesterday's newsletter that includes a video about "expressive drawing."

Getting out of the studio....

2011-03-25T09:56:00.000-04:00


Milwaukee Art Museum

We artists log a lot of hours by our lonesome. It's good to emerge from the studio occasionally, and take a field trip.... which is what I did last weekend....

To Milwaukee.

Not your first choice as a spring break destination? I beg to differ! We had a great time... and really enjoyed the Milwaukee Art Museum.... Here's a link to more about our adventure...

Random Word Generator

2011-03-17T12:35:00.000-04:00

Morning Tea & Leaves

Happy St. Paddy's Day!
My weekly newsletter is published the link is here....
Click the link to find out about using a "Random Word Generator" in your painting warm-ups.

March in Michigan

2011-03-14T07:20:00.001-04:00

It's all about anticipation...
Warmer days
Sunny skies
Green growth

We sort of focus on the future here in Michigan...at least in March we do.

painting is a statement of gratitude....

2011-03-10T09:52:00.000-05:00

When you decide on a subject, you are choosing to celebrate something in paint. Whether it's a color or color combination, an outside view, a loved one, or a beautifully shaped piece of fruit...you're communicating.

You're saying....

"I care about this."
"I appreciate this thing I'm painting....
I want to show you what I'm thinking
and then maybe you'll care about it too."
A painting starts out as a monologue. You conversing with the paper or canvas, using paint as the language.

When you've said just enough to get your point across (not too much, mind you... just enough) then you're finished...you sign it, and you can invite others into the discussion.

Sometimes, lets face it... it ends up a rather dull conversation.

But occasionally, your efforts spark a flood of communion and empathy.

We are grateful together.

Those are the golden moments and the thing that keeps me at it. How about you?

back amongst the living....

2011-02-23T07:54:00.000-05:00

Good morning, sunshines....
A really painful and annoying dental issue was resolved on Monday, when I said adios to molar #18. I'm healing now and beginning to be able to think about something other than jaw pain! Planning on a painterly afternoon...my favorite.

So Many Techniques....what to choose.

2011-01-29T17:02:00.000-05:00


"Lyle Lyle Crocodile"~ Acrylic on Yupo

I'm finalizing my plans for my Acrylic 101 class at Crystal Lake Art Center... but I'm having trouble limiting the techniques that I want to introduce! We are going to start painting in a watercolor fashion and move to a thicker and thicker consistency... But fitting in or omitting the great stuff you can do within each consistency... now that's just hard to decide!
Oh... and here's a link to last Thursday's newsletter... I made you a valentine that you can print and send.

daffodils that are glad they are inside

2011-01-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

Closing in on finishing... The flowers seem to be saying "nah nah nah" to the creatures out in the cold.
At least that's what it looks like to me. Having fun with this one. Really enjoyed the subtle color temperature change in the snowy part.

Time for a swing in the hammock....

2011-01-20T13:46:00.000-05:00

My sister and I went for a ski this morning... Hard not to take a little rest here.

Art with a Heart.....

2011-01-09T15:20:00.000-05:00

"Support System"
Acrylic on paper

I'm honored to be included in this book, compiled by Elizabeth St.Hilaire Nelson. Sales of it will benefit her childhood friend, Cherie Stannard, victim of a car accident that has left her paralyzed. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Cherie and her family. You can preview the entire book on the blurb site...
More about Cherie...

frosty windows... just for me!

2010-12-20T12:57:00.000-05:00

This is a bit woo woo... or twilight zone... but my favorite ladder imagery found it's way into the frost pattern on our garage door.
Isn't that strangely WONDERFUL!
Thanks so much Jack! (Frost)

Fishermen are frothing at the mouth....

2010-12-17T06:09:00.000-05:00

The lake is frozen... The fishermen can hardly contain themselves. I guess it's an early freeze. I'd rather skate than fish... and it doesn't look smooth enough this year.

Everchanging view....

2010-11-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

I don't tire of the sky's around here.... this was taken a couple of days ago.... but would-ja look at that! So beautiful I felt the need to share.

Oak Leaf Support... who woulda thunk

2010-11-15T15:49:00.001-05:00

Someone sent me a link to some incredible leaf art a few weeks ago... they had intricately carved images out of the leaves.... That got me thinking about leaves as canvas...so here is my first experiment. The trick is to treat the leaves with glycerin, so they stay supple. I'm thinking I'll need to coat the back of the leaf with some sort of acrylic medium, so it won't crumble... I love experimenting. :)

Back to the High Road...

2010-11-12T07:06:00.001-05:00

a "hot" start... who knows where this will end up. 12 x 12 paper.

A start in 3 values... the bones are there...next comes the fun.

I'm getting back to the "high road" series... Here are 2 works in progress... Feels good to be back at the non-representational work. It's a lot harder... but more rewarding.

finding the sunset setting on my camera...

2010-11-06T14:04:00.001-04:00

I posted this photo on my facebook page, but thought the blog deserved it too. Just one of those "right place at the right time" sorts of pics...the "sunset" setting on my little cannon is magical. Really really looked just like that.

New floral class @ Michael's in Traverse City...

2010-11-04T15:18:00.000-04:00

Had fun painting this today in class... The best thing about this lesson is that once you get the idea... you can do it over and over, in different colors. A bouquet for every room! :)

Dandy Sunsets 'Round These Parts.....

2010-10-22T09:12:00.000-04:00


Pierce Stocking Drive near Glen Arbor, MI

Last Night


Early September

Just sharing with you all.... We love living here in Honor, MI!

Happiness is having friends to paint with.....

2010-10-18T09:31:00.000-04:00

plein air sketch

Platte River enters into Lake Michigan just past this spot

My two good friends, Sue Galos and Patty Henderson, came to visit us last week. What a great time we had.... painting, talking, laughing, playing dominos and watching art videos. And don't get me started on what happened when we opened the newly delivered wine (from wine.com) at 2:00 in the afternoon..... Sigh... I miss them!

Bathed in Books...

2010-09-23T14:10:00.004-04:00

New books to peruse on a cold rainy day....

It's been a while since I've ordered from Amazon. I had quite a few titles in my cart, collected over the last few months. I decided last week, that I was in need of some inspiration, and for me, books are a great source. I'm a book fiend... especially and art book fiend.
So, yesterday the UPS man...(I LOVE him) delivered these beauties. Each one is a delight.

And then the gods delivered this cold, rainy day. Perfect for sitting with a cup of tea and a pile of new art books. mmmmmmmmm Sigh. Ain't life grand?

Here are the titles and authors....
Inside the Painter's Studio; by Joe Fig (I love that name)
Drawing for Mixed Media Artists; by Carla Sonheim (fun!)
Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting; by John F. Carlson
Landscape Painting; by Mitchell Albala (droolingly beautiful book)

Pretty Pictures All in a Row....

2010-08-28T09:17:00.004-04:00

Paintings are politely lined up.... ready to be wrapped and put into the car for a ride down to Lake Orion, MI for my show at Flint Street Gallery (inside Little Monsters)

The show is called... "Transitions: The Joy of the Process"

Here's my artist's statement for the show....

"Over the last year and a half, our family has gone through some big changes… Moving up to northern Michigan and sadly, my mother’s illness and death were the two biggest things to adjust to. 2009 was a real challenge, and we are transitioning our way through and away from it.

The Collage paintings….

The collage florals are the result of me immersing myself in happy, joyful colors and shapes. The challenge is simplifying the intricate and delicate forms of the flowers. After I get the shapes down, I can have some fun cutting, ripping and pasting; kind of like Kindergarten. Collage also reminds me of the process of quilting. (My mom was a terrific quilter.) I love the feel of the surface of these paintings…tactile. I love smoothing the paper down with my goopy fingers…messy. I love finding just the right piece of paper to add without having to adjust it with paint...finding treasure.

Gouache Ink Resist paintings….

The gouache ink resist pieces are similar to the collage pieces in that it’s about simplifying things, but to an even greater degree. Gouache Ink Resist paintings remind me of linoleum or wood block prints, but without the cut fingers. :) As the title suggests, the gouache (pronounced gwash) is painted on, then covered with india ink. After that’s dry, you hold the paper under running water, to wash away the gouache, revealing the painting. The process takes some planning, and it’s sort of unforgiving, but when it works…. Wow… magic trick at the sink. :)

Both of these types of paintings have helped heal me…I can immerse myself in the effort of creating. For me, it’s all about the joy of the process of artmaking.

Fall is in the air...finally!

2010-08-26T06:58:00.003-04:00

Fall 2009... What we have to look forward to!

Ok... I have figured out that I like the "idea" of summer... Picnics, lounging on the decks, boat rides, golf... but the actual summer...especially this actual summer, with it's hot temperatures and humidity...me no likey.

Today, I needed a hoodie to go down the drive to get the paper. aaaahhhhhhh. Fresh air. It reminded me of the house we lived in in Rochester Hills, MI... We were close enough to the high school that we could hear the marching band practicing in the dark of the early morning. I just loved waking up to the far away beat of the drums and faint music. Nothing like the star spangled banner to get you up in the morning. :)

I really miss that herald of early fall. Maybe I'll grab my kazoo, and march down the drive humming my favorite show tunes. I'm sure our neighbors would appreciate it as much as I did....don'tcha think?

Even without the cooler temps... I can see a change in the quality of the light. The sun is lower in the sky... the colors are becoming more saturated... Magic.

Is my hair too big?

2010-08-09T18:00:00.004-04:00

Well.... is it?

hehehe
One of a few characters I made today with collage and acrylic paint...

Grumbacher Class samples tadaaaaa!

2010-08-01T18:34:00.005-04:00

Landscape Sample for Acrylic classes...
Just a tree... out-standing in a field. :) Easy peasy beginner class.

Floral Sample for acrylic classes...
This one is a bit more involved... But still fine for a beginner.

Classes will be held at Michaels in Traverse City, MI.... I'll post the class dates when they are scheduled. Hope you can join me!

Doin' the Happy Dance....

2010-07-17T10:51:00.005-04:00

I was VERY excited to find that I'd won 2 awards at the ArtCenter Traverse City's "It's Not Just Material" show.... Don and I went to the opening last night...(after we enjoyed our very first "slabtown burgers". Ooooo La La! I had the Olive burger... delish!)

"Keep Climbing"
22 x 22
Acrylic and pencil on paper
$375
Honorable Mention

"Showing Restraint"
30 x 22
$1130
5th place

Needless to say... a really really fun evening. :)

Daffy Collage...work in progress

2010-07-15T18:09:00.006-04:00

"Daffodils... work in progress"
12 x 12 ~ collage and acrylic

Still playing with collage... It's a slow, but satisfying process.
Messy too! And I love messy. :)

Bouquet in the Grass... Collage!

2010-07-14T11:46:00.006-04:00

"Bouquet in the Grass"
6 x 6
Acrylic and Collage on paper

My good friend Sarnia Sue has been my "Food and Drink" magazine supplier for quite a few years. The Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) puts out these beautiful magazines about 6 times a year. They are full of gorgeous recipes for food and drinks...the photography is fantastic. They even suggest music that you might want to listen to while you eat and drink! My kind of publication...and here's the best part... They are free to anyone that pops into the LCBO stores.

So, what does all that have to do with anything?... Well, the above collage paper was taken from my treasured Food and Drink magazines. Can you spy the onion ring flowers? :) I've saved each and every one she's sent... And since I'm beginning to realize that I can't hold onto EVERYTHING (moving does that to a person).... I've compromised with myself here. I'll be turning my "Food and Drinks" into small collages. :)

Thanks again Sue!

ps... Here's a link to an online version of Food and Drink.... enjoy!

Tra La La La Trillium....

2010-07-12T14:26:00.004-04:00

"Tra La La La Trillium"
Collage and acrylic ~ 6.5 x 6.5 inches

Back in the studio feels so good... even if I'm surrounded by boxes (still) and haven't hired the electrician to get the lighting right.

My friend, Kim Santini (fabulous painter) has been playing around with collage, and she inspired me to do the same. This process reminds me of quilting....and I love it!

Most of my collage experience has been non-representational (abstract)... but I sure had fun with this representational piece. I'll be playing around with these for a while me thinks.

Back to WORK!

2010-07-09T06:23:00.004-04:00

All is calm....but not bright!

Humid, calm and peaceful here at Platte Lake this morning...

I'm looking forward to a day of painting... with a little bit of cake baking thrown in. (It's my sister's birthday...Happy Birthday, Sue!)

There's been no painting from me for the last few weeks as we go through moving boxes and try to figure out where to put all our stuff.... But today, I'm getting the brushes wet!

Yeeeee Haw!

I would scare me.

2010-04-19T12:38:00.006-04:00

At the end of Peterson Rd. in Sleeping Bear Dune National Lake Shore Park.

I've written often about my almost daily walks...When I'm up here in Honor, MI, I hardly ever see another person. Yesterday, as I was walking back to the house... a car passed me...and I suddenly became aware of what I looked like....

broken reading glasses (blue) with one lens out... perched on top of my not combed head
too small sunglasses on my face
paint covered too short black pants...snug in the WRONG places
one blue and one black sock (don't ask)
my shoes are actually pretty cool...but not cool enough to trump the odd socks.
paint covered bright golden yellow Iowa t-shirt
ipod in pants pocket
cell phone in pants pocket
kleenex in pants pocket
small camera in pants pocket
pen and small notebook in pants pocket
all that "in the pocket" activity did not make for a smooth silhouette
my husband's coat...(the coats I have up here are too heavy or too light)

"What not to Wear" would think it was a set-up. Understandably, I don't want to show a picture of this....And I probably won't change my work wardrobe any time too soon... but I've read that awareness is the first step toward change. :)

Unexpected Gifts....

2010-04-19T06:25:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I received a note from someone that I don't know. It was a gift. She wanted me to know that she liked my work, my website and my attitude. Wow. Everybody should receive a note like this...unexpected and so kind.

I have been known to do this sort of thing too...but not often enough. So, I'm vowing to send an unexpected card or email once a week...

Spread the love baby.

Walking to Lake Michigan....

2010-04-16T21:09:00.002-04:00

Since I'm back in Honor, MI... I'm back at my almost daily walks to Lake Michigan. It's a 2.5 mile hike from the house to the lake... It's my favorite thing about being here. Good thoughts come from long walks.

Watercolor Warm-ups...

2010-04-03T08:35:00.003-04:00

"Pink Tulips 3" (how original....sigh)
7 x 5
Watercolor and pencil on paper

I learned to do these small warm-up paintings at a Robert Burridge workshop. It's such a smart idea.... I have at least 3 going at once (usually more) so when the one I'm working on is wet and needs to dry...there is a dry one in the ready position... You can try out ideas that you wouldn't necessarily try on a larger sheet... a no risk method, that's very freeing.

On a completely different subject...

"Go right through for MSU, watch the points keep grow-ing....
Spartan teams are bound to win they're fighting with a vim!
Rah Rah Rah!"

Go Michigan State and Tom Izzo....
I can hardly wait to watch the game!

Midnight Tulips...

2010-03-29T09:37:00.003-04:00

"Midnight Tulips"
11 x 15 Watercolor and ink on paper

The daffodils are all peeking up from the oak leaves in the woods. I hope it's the sort of spring that the daffodils and tulips last longer than a week.... Some springs come in too hot.

We are still basking in the glow of our Michigan State Spartan victory yesterday afternoon...

Unbelievably... the feed to the local cable station froze with 11 seconds left in the game.... We were scrambling around as much as the players were, trying to find the streaming video online. We saw the last second of the game ...but missed the more important 10 previous seconds... and the celebration after....Which is always my favorite part. :(... Oh well... wadda ya gonna do.
Go Green!

Level heads, where are you?

2010-03-23T06:47:00.005-04:00

"Showing Restraint"
30 x 22 (36 x 28 framed)
Collage
$1130

I wish folks could show some restraint... I'm so tired of people shouting over each other and not listening. What happened to respectful dialog? Or even agreeing to disagree? I know that emotion can be a good thing, but not when it escalates bad behavior, builds walls, and stymies dialog.

Level heads....where are you?

And that's as close to political commentary that you'll get from me. aaaarrrrgggggh!

Kingsbury Auction Donation

2010-03-16T17:10:00.005-04:00

"Flowers 4 You"
Acrylic ~ 7 x 5

This little painting is my donation to the Kingsbury School Auction on April 17th. Here's more information if you are interested in going...It's always a fun event!

Just Tulips...

2010-03-05T17:38:00.003-05:00

"Just Tulips"
11 x 14 Watercolor

I felt the need to play with straight watercolor over the last couple of days. Watercolor is such a joyful medium. I really like the back runs and unpredictability. And the transparency is pretty cool too.

Up Periscope...

2010-03-01T15:58:00.002-05:00

The one daffodil is stretching... What an over achiever.
I keep humming "Where is tall man, where is tall man... And he's yelling... "here I am...here I am!" The others have since caught up to him, but it took them a few days.

We have our house up for sale again. We've had a lot of traffic... so between getting it ready to show... and then all the showings (4 in 5 days) I haven't really been able to paint. I'm thinking watercolor will be a bit easier to stay neat with. I tend to really splash about with acrylic.

Hoar Frost...

2010-02-09T06:58:00.003-05:00

"Hoar Frost"
12 x 12
Acrylic on Acrylic paper

Tried to capture a bit of the feeling of the hoar frost from yesterday's walk... I have another attempt going... Might try to make the next one a bit more neutral... Just to see if I can!

thoughts I just gotta share...
I think the Canadian National Anthem is the best of all anthems. I love my country...but don't love our anthem... It's too hard to sing!

Frosty Morning....

2010-02-08T11:51:00.006-05:00

Frosty Morning Walk on the Trail....

My friend Meg and I braved the bitter cold temps and were rewarded with a fairy land of frost. We could hardly talk for stopping and saying "oooooooh" and "aaaaaaaah". Photos never do this kind of scenery justice. The frozen nose hair was another added bonus.

Sunny Side Up...

2010-02-02T12:43:00.006-05:00

"Sunny Side Up"
5.5 x 7.5 inches
mixed media

Again with the ladder imagery... can't imagine stopping.

The Idea of Trees....

2010-01-27T15:10:00.004-05:00

"The Idea of Trees"
6 x 6
Acrylic on Acrylic paper
$50 (unframed)

Finished a few of these small ones today... A few days of thought and rest does wonders for finishing up unresolved paintings. It sometimes surprises me though...the paintings that I thought had such promise, end up to be not so great... And the ones that I am not that excited about end up being better than I'd imagined....

I'm thinking that it might be because of expectations.

Paintings that I judge to have 'promise'... I unconsciously tighten up on.... And the paintings that are boring to begin with... with some bold maneuvers... can become the paintings I like best. Hmmmmmm

Had a lot more fun painting today.... Had the reds, yellows and violets going.
Think Valentines. :) I love making valentines.

prime the pump

2010-01-25T13:45:00.005-05:00

warm up... 6 x 6...acrylic on acrylic paper

I'm finding it a bit tough to get back in to the swing of things here at home. I spent the morning putting things away in the studio and then just started slapping paint on 6 small squares of paper, with a limited palette.

One thing I've learned in my 13 plus years of painting is that you just have to jump in and do it...don't wait until you have that "perfect" idea. Just put your brush to paper and paint. That's what makes the ideas come...the doing it. I can already tell that tomorrows painting session will be better than today's. (For one thing I'll be sure to pick more uplifting colors!)

I'm priming the pump with these little painted doodles....and before too long...the ideas will be flowing! I count on it.

grief and gratitude

2010-01-11T12:09:00.007-05:00

Mom...headed off to college in 1948

Mom and Dad in 1949

I'm familiar with the various stages of grief you supposedly go through......but that seems like such a clinical way to describe the emotional upheaval that takes place when someone you love dies. It's a surreal experience.... Very foggy.

I'm sitting here in the kitchen of the house that my mom and dad built... on Platte Lake in a gorgeous area of Northern Michigan... I'm trying to compose some sort of memorial to my mom, a handout of sorts to be available at her "celebration of life" party on the 17th... a challenging task.

I keep crying because of the loss I feel.... then laugh and smile at the memories as I sort through photos and memorabilia. What a roller coaster of emotion...

But the prevailing feeling I'm having is gratitude. A profound sense of gratitude, for having the parents that I had.

I'm a lucky lucky girl.

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Funeral Home....

2010-01-03T11:49:00.006-05:00

"It's a Spring Thing"
(sold)

Many of you know that I've been away from home since last April, helping out my mom and her husband of two years. She was diagnosed with Acute Mylogenous Leukemia, and then a week later, she suffered a major stroke....paralyzing her right side.

Adding into that mix, my husband had lost his job in March...we decided to put our house up for sale (real estate in the Detroit area...hahahaha)

My mom's husband suffered a mild stroke in the summer...

I had to put my 13 year old dog...my fuzzy companion, Ivan... to sleep in November....

The chemo quit working for my mom in November, she declined and passed away on the 31st of December...

Good riddance 2009......

So.... my sister and I are driving to the funeral home, and my cell phone rings. It was the gentleman that had purchased one of my two paintings in the "Think Small 09" show at Lawrence Street Gallery. He had decided that he wanted the other painting in the show too.

I've decided that this is a sure sign that things will be looking up for me and mine!

I'm looking forward to an art and fun filled 2010!

Think Small 09.....

2009-12-03T06:47:00.003-05:00

Two of my paintings were accepted into Lawrence Street Gallery's "Think Small 09" juried show. All works measure under 12 inches in any direction.

A really manageable size to gift wrap! (hint hint) :)

The opening is tomorrow evening, and I won't be able to be there, unfortunately... I'm still up north helping out my mom. If you can, you should check it out... there are always some surprising and exquisitely lovely small works....

"Earn Your Stripes"
6 x 6 (11 x 10 framed)
acrylic gesso and colored pencil on yupo paper
$75

"Partners In Climb"
6 x 6 (11 x 10 framed)
Acrylic gesso and colored pencil on yupo paper
$75
(this photo makes me laugh... my two big thumb prints on the outside edges of the image are matted out of the framed painting... LOL... gotta get another photo of this one! How professional I am....geesh!)

Michigan Holly...

2009-11-15T08:05:00.004-05:00

"Michigan Holly"
8 x 8
oil pastel and watercolor on paper

Michigan landscape in November has mostly neutral tones...umbers, dark green pine ...sienna oak leaves... Then there is flash of brilliant red orange berries and bright green moss. An oasis for color starved eyes! This is another small one inspired by my daily walks in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore park.

I'll be taking a break from the park walks since deer hunting season has begun with a literal "bang" this morning and will continue for 2 weeks. And no more wearing my reindeer hat for a while! :)

Thoughts on Walks

2009-11-12T12:33:00.005-05:00

"Thoughts on Walks"
watercolor and colored pencil on paper
8 x 8 inches

Those of you that know me... know that I've been helping out my mom as she deals with acute myelogenous leukemia, and the stroke she suffered because of it. I've been here in Honor, Michigan for just over 8 months (with a few quick trips home). I really feel lucky to be in the position to be able to do this for her. It is a gift to be able to help out where it's needed and appreciated.

Though, obviously there are some challenging parts to helping out a sick parent. One thing that's kept me somewhat sane and calm are my walks in the "Sleeping Bear Dune National Lake Shore" park. I can walk from the house straight down a dirt road that leads to Lake Michigan.... On some days I won't see another soul for the hour and a half it takes me. Imagine that! The most beautiful forest that leads to the dunes and then the lake in all it's magnificence enjoyed in complete solitude (other than the wildlife...and occasionally Ranger Jim). I listen to my Ipod... and have a notebook and pen for the wonderful insights that seem to pop into my head during these long walks. I really feel quite lucky.

The watercolor was painted from memory...and then the word stream that seems to ramble out of my head, was added with colored pencil. I can't even really read it, since I chose a pencil close in value and tone to the painting.

Paperwork Monster....

2009-10-04T10:43:00.002-04:00

Bag O Work....

Cracked me up when I saw the face that greeted me on my desk this morning... I'll get to it tomorrow... Today is my day off.

"Lights, Camera, Action!" Completed....

2009-10-01T12:06:00.003-04:00

"Lights, Camera, Action!"
12 x 12
Acrylic on canvas

After a nights sleep... I woke up with a bit of a plan. I subdued some of the areas with white. and added a few dashes of pink to brighten up it's outlook. Calling this one finished.

I'm enjoying my birthday today... I love cake. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. oinky oink.

Lights Camera Action...Work in Progress

2009-09-30T16:24:00.006-04:00

Lights Camera Action (Work in Progress... gonna sleep on it)
12 x 12
Acrylic on canvas

Felt oh so good to be slapping paint around today... Got out a canvas with some paint already on it and just started painting. I was working on 7 paintings at once... my favorite way to work! This one needs some areas simplified... but I need to think on it a little bit.

Enjoyed the most glorious sunny fall day today... Heading out for a walk right now, to enjoy the last little bit of it.

Aspire...and your art can too match your sofa...

2009-09-17T11:30:00.010-04:00

"Aspire" work in progress...
24 x 24
acrylic and pencil on canvas

About this painting: The gold sections are Daniel Smith's gold gesso (which is addicting to use...but really hard to use 'well' I think) and will eventually be covered in gold leaf... we'll see how that goes...LOL

"Real Art Doesn't Match the Sofa"
I don't know where this phrase came from... probably from a frustrated artist.... I can almost hear the conversation as they are looking at the completed and commissioned floral painting...

patron (holding her couch arm sleeve thingie): "shouldn't that rose be a more lipsticky mauve rather than the purpley mauve you've painted?
artist: "If i change the color then that rose will not fit in with the rest of the painting."
patron: "Well, see here in the fabric...it really is a more lipsticky mauve."
artist:"But that color wouldn't look right against the greens that you provided with the paint chips."
patron:"I really thought that the rose would match this lipsticky mauve color in my sofa..."
artist:"Real art does't match the sofa."

Yup... I can imagine where the phrase came from... But, I think it puts up a barrier....
It makes the average person feel intimidated... It's as if artwork coordinating with furnishings is soooo not cool...
And I completely disagree....

Furnishing a home is an art... A room is a composition.... I would not place a piece of art in a spot that didn't look good.... If the pattern on my sofa looked awful with a fabulous painting above it... I would move the painting, or the sofa.

I know I'm being literal with this saying... and that's probably not what the author meant...
But we shouldn't be flippant and roll our eyes at someones "unsophisticated" tastes... It's never good to make someone feel dumb...

As artists need to try to educate and lead... (Especially here in the US... where art education is so sadly pushed to the bottom of our schools' curriculum.) We need to try to entice our friends and family into our artistic circles... to show them what we see and feel, with approachable language and an open and welcoming attitude.

"Real Art is for Everyone"

Website Work Woes and other stories...

2009-09-13T08:19:00.003-04:00

"Thought Process"
11 x 10
Acrylic on Paper
not for sale at this time

For the last 10 days I have been working on revamping my website. Hours and hours were spent on it... It had hundreds of pages under the "paintings" category, with subheadings that included~

Taking the High Road Series
Landscape
Faces and Figures
Animals
Gouache Ink Resist (including a demo section)
still life
abstract
My Year of Paintings Series...

So Friday morning... I excitedly push the "publish" button and we are off and running, for a couple of minutes... then the "serious error with SiteBuilder" screen comes up.... AAAAGGGGHHH!!!!
I want to throw up.

Luckily, I had saved most everything on an external hard-drive (I had learned that hard lesson a couple of years ago) So I spent more hours importing files into the fresh (uninstalled then reinstalled) SiteBuilder...and re-doing the links ( they didn't work when I put the pages back in) And stopped with just my current work posted. Someday I might add some of the stuff back in... but for now I'm calling it "good enough".

So... you are probably asking..."Why doesn't she hire this done so she can just paint???" Here's why~

the expense
the flexibility of adding pages when new work is done...immediately
I would drive a designer/programmer crazy with my indecision and waffling. (I drive myself crazy)
I don't want to hunt for or interview website designers.
my very strong 'self reliant' tendencies.
and...."I can do it myself" said the little red hen. (rolling my eyes here)

I'm not saying that these reasons are good reasons... but they are my reasons.
I drive me crazy.

Distractions and Diversions... and some juried show advice

2009-09-03T08:32:00.007-04:00

"Distractions and Diversions"
12 x 12
acrylic on canvas (framed)
$250

Was delighted to hear that "Distractions and Diversions" received a prize in the Crystal Lake Art Center's All Media Show! The reception is the 11th, and I'll be there with bells on. :)

I submitted 2 paintings... the second one ("It's Complicated") got "declined"... which was a lot easier to shrug off since I won a prize with the other one... LOL
I'm usually quite philosophical about entering shows and try to remember the following~

I consider it a success if I:

fill out the form correctly
have color corrected, great photographs of the painting
select the best 2-3 available paintings that look good together
get all the labels in the right places
get the jpg's the correct size
get the jpg's labeled correctly
have everything in or postmarked by the deadline
just having the "ca-hones" to enter a juried show at all!

After that... It's out of my hands.... so fogetahboutit!

Having been a juror before, I know what a difficult job it is. Jurors are most often artists themselves.... They know how each person will feel when they get their results. It ain't easy to curate a show. Remember, the juror will be judged by every person that entered! They are either brilliant or a horses patoot, depending on how they filled out your jury results form!

So....My sage advice....

Try not to get too amped if you get in, let alone receive a prize...
so then on the flip side...

When the inevitable "declined" letters come... you can be Scarlett O'Hara~
"After all.... tomorrow is another day!"

What gets me started....

2009-08-26T14:09:00.007-04:00

"Circumventing Obstacles" (work in progress)
15 x 15
mixed media on watercolor paper

So where do you start when you are going to make a painting?
Well for me, it sort of goes like this....

I start usually with an idea. And then I keep the idea in my head as I sketch and doodle either right on the paper with pastel pencil or in my sketch book. I try to remember to write the idea or title on the back of the painting. I'm working on so many paintings at a time that I might forget what my intent was if it takes me a while to get back to it.

"Circumventing Obstacles" has started pretty much that way... With one slight difference... On my walk yesterday morning, I found this gorgeous lichen (see photo below) growing on a branch that fell into the driveway. I just loved the colors of it and decided that those colors would suit my intent for this painting... So my palette was chosen by nature.... so far.

I try to never box myself in with these early impulsive decisions.... If the painting works within this palette, great! But if I decide to go in a different color direction, that's ok too....The main thing is to just start somewhere! Put that brush to paper and GO!

How exciting!

2009-08-24T17:19:00.004-04:00

"Distractions and Diversions 2"
12 x 12
Acrylic on canvas (sold)

I was really thrilled to find out that this painting won the "Peoples Choice" award at the Artcenter Traverse City's juried show last month! How about that! I was REALLY tickled because I know nobody in the area...strangers voted me in! (Other than you, Judy)

The really strange thing is that no one from the ArtCenter let me know that I'd won...LOL (My husband just happened to read it on their website.) We all need these little boosts.... so I'm sure glad he happened to see it.

Last week was chemo week with my mom... So I wasn't able to paint. Hopefully tomorrow...
It's really hard on us artists when we can't eek out our painting time.

Gwen Frostic...

2009-08-12T17:52:00.005-04:00

Gwen Frostic 1906-2001

I have been visiting Platte Lake, in Honor Michigan since 1978... (my college roommate had a cottage). My parents bought a lot on the lake in the early 80's and built, first a cottage...and then their home....And now I'm living in the cottage as I help my mom recover from a stroke....I've been in this area a lot...

And now the "hang my artistic head in shame" part of the story......

Gwen Frostic's woodland studio, about 20 minutes from my parent's house, has been a popular tourist destination for all that time, and I had never (horrified and embarrassed gasp) made the effort to go and visit. On Tuesday I rectified that situation. Gwen's wood block prints are delightful and you can watch the printing presses in action from the shop balcony. Now that I've finally been there, I can highly recommend it.

I found this interview with Gwen when searching for more information about her... an interesting lady.

This Way Is Up......

2009-08-12T15:40:00.005-04:00

"This Way Is Up"
15 x 15 inches
Acrylic on Watercolor paper (300#)
$400 unframed

Detail images below....

Again with the wonky ladder and 2 support imagery.... I can't seem to stop. :)

And on a completely unrelated note.....

I had written to Polly Hammett, (she has a great video from CCP called "Design with the Figure") asking her where she purchased the moldable foam stamps. I was delighted to get a very kind response from her today.

This material is a sort of foam product that when heated becomes soft. You can then press any number of things (fern, mesh, lace, leaves, your face...well, not really sure about that last one) ...then the foam cools and wha-la! A nifty stamp to add texture to any painting that needs "a little something there." Polly demonstrates this technique brilliantly in her video.

Polly said in her email:

"I heat mine on a hot coffee pot burner untill it gives just a little, then quickly push it on a raised surface....Lace, leaves ect.

It is like making magic!"

I'm going to get some of this foam so I can make some magic too!

Measured Progress....

2009-08-10T13:50:00.004-04:00

"Measured Progress"
12 x 12
Acrylic on Acrylic paper
$230 (unframed)

This one is really different... Sort of spiritual. The design might make an interesting quilt... I might just try it again in fabric.... (in my spare time.... LOL)

Happy Birthday Donny!

Measured Progress...WIP

2009-08-07T14:54:00.004-04:00

"Measured Progress"... WIP (Work In Progress)
12 x 12 inches
Acrylic on Acrylic paper (so far)

Preliminary shapes and values blocked in with Daniel Smith Gesso... Black, White and Venetian Red

Taking it a bit further...and now I want to stop and think a bit...

We are going to the Crystal Lake Art Center's fund raiser tonight... From what I hear it is an active group... and only about 20 minutes away. Looking forward to seeing all the goodies they'll have in the auction.

Celebrating Achievement

2009-08-06T14:00:00.008-04:00

"Celebrate Achievement"
11 x 11
Acrylic and pencil on watercolor paper
$220 unframed

I had a friend express interest in "Support System", and since it's not available, I decided to try to complete a larger version of it that I had started some time ago.

And this is what I learned about that....

I have to just stick with the idea... and forget what I've done before...
I found myself glancing at "Support System" trying too hard to recreate it.
I'll continue on with the idea of the wonky ladder with the 2 supports....And even keep the title in mind as I paint... But there will never be another "Support System".

There will be more paintings with that idea behind them... some of the paintings will be worse... some might even be better.... (I can hope) But never the same.
I think that's great.

Transparent Ambition...

2009-08-05T10:32:00.003-04:00

"Transparent Ambition"
6 x 6
Acrylic and pencil on collage paper
$60

The word "ambition" has some interesting and sometimes conflicting connotations. I consider myself to be ambitious... but probably not in the traditional sense of the word. I am an ambitious learner... and experimenter with my painting... I'm rarely afraid to try something new, and to play around with the "what ifs" that pop into my head. I guess I consider that ambitious.

And what I mean by "Transparent Ambition" is simply be who you are...if you are excited about something... show it! Don't try to manipulate people or have some hidden agenda. Be authentically transparent.

I probably shouldn't have attempted to explain this cryptic title... it was quite ambitious of me. :)

Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble

2009-08-04T16:04:00.008-04:00

"Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble"
6 x 6 inches
Acrylic on Acrylic Paper
$60 unframed

Today was another good day....

It was spent painting and listening to a good book tape (The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee)....
I sold a painting and went to the Honor post office to ship it (A very neighborly place)....
Finally (after months) called Sears to come and fix my mom's dehumidifier (she bought a 5 year in home service warranty...who does that?)
Got a really good walk in before I even picked up a brush...
Got in doodle mode with this painting... but I ended up liking it! (which doesn't often happen for me when I'm in doodle mode)
Have another small painitng almost completed...and I sort of like that one too so far...

All in all.... a red letter day! Who knows where that phrase comes from... anybody? ...anybody?
Answer here! :)

What I love about home......

2009-07-20T09:49:00.006-04:00

Rainbow from home... Taken the spring after we moved into the house in Oxford, MI.

I'm back up in the Traverse City area... helping out my mom... She's recovering from a stroke that she suffered in April... It's a long and seemingly slow process.... though we are so encouraged by her continued progress.

These are just a few of the things that I loved about being at home....

My own comfy bed (a Temperpedic)...
Wildlife out my windows...
Dear friends to walk with...
My gas stovetop...
Friends who buy a painting, then invite my husband and I to dinner when we deliver it...
Wonderful neighbors that stop by to see if I can come out to play... and I do!
More wonderful neighbors that organize a potluck so that we can all get together...
Art friends that come in to Lake Orion to have lunch together...
Watching my dear friend's most talented daughter as the musical director for a production of Beauty and the Beast. (She played the piano through the entire production...wow!)

I'm a true believer in the power of counting your blessings.... What are you thankful for?

home again home again jiggity jig....

2009-07-14T07:40:00.004-04:00

"Lyle Lyle Crocodile"
26 x 20
Acrylic on Yupo
$910 (unframed)

This is an older painting... and was the first thing I saw, to welcome me home to my studio! (This is one of my personal favorites) It'll be 2 weeks of packing up and throwing out..Which is better that packing out and throwing up I suppose. LOL Getting ready to move... but we still aren't quite sure where. So it will be an art break for 2 weeks... See you the week of the 27th!

Stop Pulling the Rungs Out From Under Me.....

2009-07-10T15:47:00.004-04:00

"Stop Pulling the Rungs Out From Under Me"
11 x 11
Watercolor on Paper
$180

I started this one earlier in the week... and it sat unresolved for a few days while I worked on the "Rocks and Hard Places" paintings... It has a serious theme...but painted in a light-hearted way. Which seems to be the way I cope with "stuff". As sad as my mom's condition is...(leukemia and she suffered a stroke) we manage to belly laugh more often than normal... Granted, the humor tends to be a bit dark.... but it's humor nonetheless... I'm very lucky to be wired that way.

Hope you enjoy your weekend... I'm going to the opening of the Artcenter Traverse City's member show tonight.... Really looking forward to it!