Art Journaling

I'm trying to get back into the habit of using a visual journal, and incorporating it here on my blog. It's all a bit intimidating, as I'm not a writer but always feel awesome after I do write down something that is going on in my head.


I started today, Ash Wednesday by just writing down my goals. After talking with a good friend this morning about what to "give up". She told me about what a preacher she had listened to once said, instead of giving something up, add something positive to your day. So each day of lent I'm going to try and walk, do one thing creative, and write one good thing about life.

Back to work

Frustrated with having to go to work and not being able to stay home and work on my art, I used that energy to create a piece that was out of my comfort zone this evening. I'm so inspired and in awe of artists who use portraits in their work, and I have always avoided it, unless it was required for an assignment. I realized this is a bit ridiculous, considering I ask my students to self-portraits all the time. The older they get a bit of fear begins to show on their face. At some point as a child we lose that ability to just let loose and have fun! We talk about how things "don't have to be perfect" daily in my classroom, so I figured I should just take my own advice and "go for it!" and have fun.

I started going through a ton of scrapbook patterned paper I have, and found a sheet that was covered in inspirational quotes and sayings. I am thinking of adding text into this piece with a possible image transfer, or hand painted lettering. Here is where I am so far! Can't wait to return home from work tomorrow and continue working on it!

Creating something beautiful everyday!

My new work has been focusing on incorporating texture and image transfers. I have been using gel medium and creating multiple layers. These have been fun and free! After reading some books on different ways to create interesting background texture and images, I couldn't wait to begin trying them. For this piece I began with a blended green acrylic background. Then began adding other cool colors with a palette knife and various brushes. The birds in this piece were a "happy accident". I wanted to do an image transfer with a toner image copy, I had created using photo editing programs. The tranfer wasn't successful and I pulled the whole piece of paper off. What was left was the outline of the bird and I accented this using gel medium, and it became the inspiration for the rest of the piece.
Working on this 16x20 canvas I realized I want to work larger than this and begin experimenting with interesting shapes.
Maybe start stretching my own canvas again, and experiment with different gessos. These two pieces have also inspired me to begin working on blogging and sharing my work with others. It's so easy to get lost in the shuffle of everyday life. Finding a couple hours to work on my art, and create something beautiful is definilty a heart warming and fulfilling addition to my life.

Inspiration

SPRING WORK 2010

These works consist of acrylic and fabric on canvas. My favorite part is going back in and adding details with the acrylic paint on the fabric. Changing colors allows those small intricate details to pop and stand out. If you are interested in these work please feel free to contact me to learn more.