Iberostar's Art

The Other Crow Painting

2012-01-24T13:55:00.002-05:00

Here's my Treasures painting - I started with acrylics and added highlighting with ChartPak markers. I cut some foam pieces and dipped them in various colors for the background. I added a string of my favorite beads to the beak - and voila! I enjoyed doing this one!

January Work

2012-01-24T13:49:00.001-05:00

Well, I've been busy - getting back into painting and drawing. I worked on my art journal - two blank pages left in it - hopefully, I'll be inspired soon to start them!

Excess Paint Painting

2012-01-12T19:27:00.001-05:00

I finished my crow - but had some paint left over - so here are two more crows. I'll take a photo of the other crow painting tomorrow.

No new resolutions

2012-01-01T13:27:00.000-05:00

I know - it's that time of year - the beginning. I will be better at blogging. I will practice my art and post it. I was bluntly reminded the other day that I never do what I say and just try to do things, but I always fall back on old habits and never quite succeed. It is true - can't defend myself. I've failed more than I have succeeded - but at least I still try.
I think that it is in my favor. No, it IS in my favor. So here's to new possibilities whatever they may be and where ever they may take me. It's funny - I still need to read that book, Living Without a Goal. Like I haven't been doing that lately.
So there, 2012 - here I come - with all my faults and fears.

Dream Trees

2011-10-12T16:24:00.002-04:00

I was wandering through my dream
when I saw a line of trees
in the distance
I felt drawn to them
They had something
to tell me
I walked and walked
but I never reached them
I captured their image
so here they stay
in my reality
rather than
unobtainable in my dream

Necklaces in the Fall

2011-10-02T13:03:00.000-04:00

Well, it's almost Fall here. We've had three days of cooler weather. Here are some new ones: I am still getting used to my new scanner - so the placement is not perfect nor is the lighting. For some reason, the big red coral beads reflected the light on one side - but they are big red coral beads all the way around.
I like the African trade bead one - i made that for myself as I love the waxed string look - I know a lot of people prefer a clasp. I am still learning!
Enjoy!!!

Not just one - but TWO

2011-09-29T15:05:00.002-04:00

Yes, friends - two new paintings - take me long enough? I should be more brave.
First: Red Trees - it might not be finished yet.
Second: Darah Dancing with the Wind - getting used to working with green ( a color I would not choose on my own - Catholic school uniform for 12 years ever freaking school day.)

Renewal

2011-09-07T19:22:00.000-04:00

Todd reading on a break - Stargate Atlantis

Some days, it seems I'm stuck for new ideas and on other days, they come popping out all over. I saw a water bubble on a plant leaf today while I was out on the deck having coffee. I thought, wow- I should go get the camera, the tripod and set up to capture the glint of sunlight on that bubble on the purple leaf.
Then, I looked at my coffee cup and decided I'd rather have finish the coffee. The sun went in. My husband came out and started pulling a dead plant out of the same planter of the leaf bubble plant and the two bubbles rolled out and plopped on the disturbed planting soil. Gone. Oh well, the coffee was good.
Then Mike holds up the root ball of the plant he pulled out. From where I was sitting the roots were against the dark grey sky of clouds and it was inspiring. Yes, the plant root is now in the garage waiting to be washed, cleaned and photographed.
It's not as easy as that all the time. My planned exercise is to go through art books and magazines until I see something that gives me a push. You know, the little push that says, "Whoa, what's that?"
I am taking an online art class, but my work looks like the instructor's - I know it's early in the process and I will go out on my own with the techniques eventually. I am uncomfortable still with the process and wonder how I am going to make it mine.
When I did our recycling, I saw the plastic tray Mike's figs were in when we bought them at Costco. It's such a neat pattern - gluing to plastic needs some research - but I know it can be done. I also play with yarns to be inspired - not just to weave, but to make color selections to my paintings. I have a set of 14 x 14 inch-canvases and I need an idea for them. I have three so far:

paint the view from my back deck on multiple canvases and hang them on the wall over the sofa
copy some famous artists' works, say like, Van Gogh or Pollack and try to get as close as possible to each.
collage them with political messages or musical lyrics I love.

I'll leave an update on where all this takes me. I think I will go pull that fig box out of recycling for now.

New paintings: Passion, Gold Dust Woman and Desert Solitaire

2011-08-28T20:10:00.001-04:00

I am taking an online course, Inscribed, taught by Traci Bautista - she has a unique way of layering that includes all type of media. I ventured into this new way because I liked the textures she achieved and the explosion of ideas it spawned.
I posed the first one already, so here are the next two. I added some tools this time - some fine tip markers and for the Passion painting, I used a net bag from some potatoes - I cut it up and folded it over - I loaded it with red paint and started daubing all over the page. I started out Passion with big lines on the left side - a circle in the middle and three large ovals on the right. I did those with markers. I then added water color pencils - added lots of water and painted over everything. I went back and forth using fine color markers and then started sketching with a black Pitt pen that looks like a brush. I just kept at it all afternoon - waiting for it to dry - they starting over again.
Gold Dust Woman was too dark when I started it - so I added lighter colors, makers and water colors. I wanted to make it tormented - hence the spiral downward and the words. I stopped when I didn't want to mess it up. I am enjoying this type of exploring.
.

Passion, Gold Dust Woman

Desert Solitaire Quote

2011-08-11T18:54:00.002-04:00

I've done some art - really. With my scanner broken and my camera hiding in another room - you get the picture - Or NOT! ha ha - sometimes I crack myself up - and end a sentence with a preposition. Here is a digital picture I "painted" in Photoshop. I love smoke brushes - who would have thought? Smoke brushes!!
More later.

time, scanners and what the heck

2011-08-02T15:20:00.000-04:00

I've been having some trouble with my scanner - now it labels two photos with the same name - love it. I signed up for a month-long Traci Bautista art journal class and I am looking forward to it.
I listed my blog on the site - and realized I have not been blogging here for a month! My last entry was July 2, 2011 and it's August 2 now.
I don't know where the time goes, but I must have been busy. I re-organized my beads in my art room. I started decorating my magic wand made from an ancient tree in Ireland. I have about 15 new necklaces and several that I re-strung.
I have one painting in progress and I am still painting the turtle (wooden). It seems I start a lot and finish none. I just finished my shredding of a box of paper - I started that at the beginning of summer. Oh, well, hope to be more active and current in the coming months. Isn't it going to get cooler - EVER??????

Self Portrait #1

2011-07-04T17:45:00.000-04:00

Acrylic paints, strips of personal journal pages, magazine photos, personal photos, stamped images, handmade paper, foil and odds/ends.
16x20

Moving slowly

2011-07-02T14:16:00.000-04:00

I don't know whether is the summer weather or what, but my art pace is slowing. I bounce from painting to beading and over to stamping and then journaling - I can't seem to stick with one thing. It's a phase I tell myself - I need more discipline to finish something before I start something new. The heat and high humidity have me in my computer room during the day for the air conditioning - it's better in a small room rather than trying to cool a whole floor-full of space.
Lack of exercise could be a factor also. It's one of those things I need, but ignore. But I'd better not let it go too long. Dying on the sofa is not in my things to accomplish.
Where are my watercolors?

A breath of fresh - um, sky...

2011-06-23T18:24:00.000-04:00

I just visited Paula Best's blog and she posted a photo of the blue sky of New Mexico. It made me sigh - The sky there is such a deep blue and clouds roll on by - the clouds be white or gray/blue thunder clouds - but it's still Nature's Parade to me.
Our sky today in Georgia is gray - overcast with some rain showers. The blue sky here is a tad lighter and I still enjoy watching clouds go over the field.

Rain in New Mexico

Saving the turtle

2011-06-14T14:27:00.000-04:00

I was honored lately to receive some of my late sister-in-law's items from her home. She was a grand collector and we had similar tastes. I went over and collected up the treasure - I bought her craft cabinets and Mike and I refinished them. I spied an old wooden turtle that had been on her patio for years. It looked hand carved, but the weather had really taken it to the brink. The wood was split and feet were broken off. I offered to take it - I was told it was going to the dump.

Mike sanded and filled the wood splits. He added some stability because the feet were now uneven. Mike and I decided on the shell color and he painted the base coats on the other parts of the turtle. I've been adding paint to it - the turtle is coming back!

I'll post photos.

Doing the happy dance - or Seed Dance...

2011-06-04T16:45:00.000-04:00

I completed my current painting - It's a 12x24 canvas. Yes, i am going bigger. I selected a sunset theme with varying colors - I added a mountain silhouette - and a giant bean I gathered on vacation somewhere - I've had it so long - I forget where. I also painted the seed pod. I had fun!!!

2011-05-28T12:19:00.002-04:00

http://clothpaperscissors.com/blogs/clothpaperscissorstoday/archive/2011/05/23/new-ebook-with-4-free-photo-collage-amp-digital-art-techniques.aspx?utm_source=WIR&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=qr110528e

Free digital photo collage class - haven't taken it yet.

Finally - scanned the necklaces

2011-05-25T00:32:00.000-04:00

I think my scanner is BACK!! I think it was that I used the wrong cleaner on the glass.

New Beading

2011-05-07T23:46:00.000-04:00

I haven't been creating much - Just standing in front of the hole - hoping not to fall in, but it's there and it's all I can think about. So, today, I just sat down and actually followed through on an idea I had for my mermaid. It's been on a string now for about three years - taunting me. That's the trouble with being creative - I can think of the ideas, but I am lousy on the follow-through. (the hole) I don't know whether it's that if I don't do anything - I can't fail. I can get paralyzed into a state where I can't do anything. What's with that? Who is the boss here anyway?
So first the mermaid - I used bone, lapis and malachite. I used chips - because they are the first stone I used to design my first necklace - and it was a bargain at the bead store - a 36" strand for $4 - what a deal. I haven't touched a chip in a long time.

I like how it hangs too. I stopped before making it too long. I am too old to wear those long necklaces anymore. My boobs are not where they used to be.

The next necklace used a bead I bought years ago - the crow - it's a handmade pendant I bought from an artist. I put some seed beads and a couple of onyx beads. I made it shorter than I normally make my necklaces.

I love crows. I made a vow to draw one. The next one is an one of each bead necklace. I just gathered some beads and started stringing. No planning, except for the focal bead. Not too shabby - I'd wear it.

When I visited my sister, I read a lot of catalogs - she has the best ones for clothes and jewelry. I cut out some photos and started a bead design journal. I took an idea out of the Sundance catalog for this necklace - only theirs cost $268. Not mine. Of course, I don't use real silver beads or Grade A gemstones - but I like the look anyway.

working on a photo of the cemetery and my parents

2011-04-28T21:14:00.000-04:00

Not quite there yet. First pass.

I've been away...

2011-04-24T10:50:00.000-04:00

First a two-week drive up to visit my sister and Mom - then driving back, we had word that Mom had been taken to the Emergency Room - I flew back - Mom died 5 days later from pneumonia. The infection spread fast -she couldn't fight it - then the funeral and then back home. THEN, I became sick with a cold or flu or bronchitis - I am sick of it (OK, it's been 5 days without sleep and a ton of Kleenexes). I did manage two Zen tangles when I was away - and I did draw some with my nephew's children. I need to scan the art of Drake and Dylan, but here are my Zen tangles.

New works

2011-03-19T18:50:00.000-04:00

I've been a little busy - I fell in love with three canvases at Micheal's (ON SALE). I started out with colors and added texture. I then glued some handmade paper to them. I will put wood, feathers and leather pieces on them. But I had to put them up on the wall - in my new gallery (ok, it's in my computer room).

Photoshop fun

2011-03-11T17:02:00.000-05:00

Some vintage photos and a background texture from ShadowHouse Creations - thanks, Jerry!

Journal work #2

2011-03-05T14:06:00.001-05:00

Extended Page - layered pages, markers, bits of hand painted paper cut into shapes, my photo of pumpkins outlined in black marker and dotted - these are the beginning of my art journal foundation. More is to be added as time goes on. I really hate blank journals. Must glue...must color...

I'm so excited

2011-03-04T18:26:00.000-05:00

I finally was able to order some ink for my awesome big format printer (a gift from my nephew-in-law). I did a cactus shot and framed it - too cool. It's a 13 x 19 - luckily Michaels makes a frame for that size. It's hanging in the living room. and more will be on the way. Here's the shot I used.

Playing Around with Past Art

2011-02-23T00:19:00.000-05:00

Yes, my own past art - I did this stipple drawing based on a color painting by Roger Dean. I used a large piece of posterboard and ink - gave it to my brother for Xmas in the 70s. The poster board is probably long gone, but I did take a photo of it - and a friend made a large negative - and I recently found the negative in a box I unpacked from my latest move. I played a bit with PhotoShop - and here is The Ride

What fun!

2011-02-06T19:44:00.000-05:00

I haven't been to a bead show in over 4 years - I went on Saturday to a small one in Atlanta and I had a lot of fun. Prices were good once you got into the inner tables. I cannot believe prices for some stones. I was looking for bargains and the $2 a strand tables met my goal. There were also some reasonably prices tables for some better stone strands too.
I went wild over orange this year - the dyed coral was really something. I found some coral beads in orange too - you can see them in my necklace below.
It was fun getting back to beading this afternoon. What can I say? I was inspired. I went with a woman and her daughter and it's so much fun going with people. We had our heads together at every table. I even was drawn into recommending some matches of beads for other people. I did about five necklace designs for a woman before I realized what the heck? I am there for me too!
I had to laugh. My friend, Robin, will get it.
I probably spent too much money, but I saved for a whirlwind spree for the beads.
After going out to eat, I was introduced to the Korean Farmer's Market in Atlanta - wow - I saw things there I had never seen before (let alone know how to prepare). I bought some bok choy and ginger for Mike. The prices are really good. I have a feeling we will go there next time we are in that area.
I slept like a log last night.

It's coming together nicely

2011-02-01T19:14:00.000-05:00

EarthZen

More Zentangles for the Canvas

2011-02-01T11:45:00.000-05:00

I completed one row and then started on the last row. Here they are so far. I think I will place the symbols in the top line, then the mountain range, then the underground strata.

Each block is 4 inches by 4 inches. The black canvas is 16 x 20. I think I will mount the Zentangles away from the canvas on spacers.

Moving ahead with the black canvas

2011-01-28T18:10:00.000-05:00

I last told you about a painting - a black canvas. I did it with the thought of making Zentangles on it - well, then I started having other ideas - seeds, handmade paper, photographs, etc.
Well, the first thought was the best so I am moving ahead with the Zentangles.
Here are the first three (I will have three rows of three Zentangles - the first row resembles mountains with symbols - then I will have the symbols, then the last row with have beneath the earth...or something like that. OK, haven't figured out the last row yet...and still might change the second row...

Into the black

2011-01-25T12:01:00.000-05:00

I had an idea of a canvas with Zentangles - squares or rectangles in a row - well, three or four rows of individual pieces of watercolor paper with a unique Zentangle.
I've painted the canvas black. I had some big seed pods nearby in a bowl - I tried them on the black canvas - didn't look quite right - they should be on a background of a more earthy texture or color.
So I am back to the Zentangle thing with maybe some copper acrylic spattered on the canvas with Zentangles in top.
Now I think I might have a round Zentangle with some black and white beads.
I'll let you know when I have something more than a black canvas.
And yes, I am still warping my loom - seems like my attention span these days is short - the weather is gray and rainy that's why. (Sounds good at least)

New digital works

2011-01-18T18:22:00.001-05:00

Played at the computer today.

Ode to Australia - original Photoshop digital painting by me

Alone in the Approaching Storm
digital photo by me, texture is made by Shadowhouse Creations

Workshop 1 - Homework #4

2011-01-16T15:43:00.000-05:00

I got into trouble today in adding more to the journal page. The gel I used is acting like a resist and not letting me put more color on. So - I went to markers and they worked okay.
I added some gold, eliminated some words, made other words stand out and highlighted with some green blue and silver.
It scares me to put anything more on there - but I guess that is what learning is all about.

Strathmore Workshops - free art classes

2011-01-08T16:25:00.001-05:00

Strathmore (artist papers) is conducting some free classes on Visual Journaling online. I am taking Workshop #1 Recycled Journal Pages.
It's been fun so far - although my expertise with oil pastels is a little shaky - I can't seem to blend them as well as the directions say "...blend with fingers." My colors could care less.
http://www.strathmoreartist.com/vjworkshop2011.html

First week's homework - copies of one of my previous journals and some collage materials attached with medium gel.

The second week, I added some oil pastels, words and shading - it's a journey, I tell myself!

In case you are wondering, I am not thinking about the screw-up I made with my sleying of the loom. I'll get back to it. I have to figure out how to fix my mistakes. I will, honest.

Weaving - or - How much I forgot what to do

2011-01-06T18:59:00.000-05:00

On the warping board
Jan's frantic math notes
More warping board
Chains on the loom
Pendelton blanket edges
Putting the heddles onto the harness

So, a funny thing happened...

2011-01-02T19:34:00.000-05:00

I didn't get the photos posted today, as promised. I started out the day at the computer getting some files in order - then asked Mike to re-do my budget spreadsheet for 2011. We were at work in our offices and then we noticed it was sunny outside. We figured it was a good time to get out of the house.
After Trader Joe's and Walmart - we come home, had pizza and put the stuff away. I spent the next several hours reading about heddles and reeds. I was trying to figure out how to space the warp ends through the reed - so Mike helped me out to get to a number.
Looks as if I need another 30 more ends to make it all balance out - not too bad. I first needed 120, now 30 more and I've done 90 so far. (You wrap your warp on a warping board around and around to get your length and then cut the end of your loop to put the warp on the loom.)
You see why I am crazy?

Late already

2011-01-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

Well, it's 1.2.11 - my first journal entry and I am a day late.
In my defense, I tackled getting the loom ready for a weaving marathon. It is no easy task. It's so hard, I avoided it for a very long time.
It breaks my small pea brain to do math and formulas. I mean, I know you need to, but it takes so long and the weaving is over so soon. Now - new leaf time.
I'll take pics of the process, so you won't see that I am whining. No!!! Really!!! I am not whining.

Past Art

2010-12-26T16:23:00.000-05:00

I found these sketches I did in 2000. Ten years ago? Doesn't seem possible.

More digital fun #3

2010-12-24T17:41:00.000-05:00

Thoughts of home

More digital fun

2010-12-16T13:12:00.000-05:00

Digital art - December 2010

2010-12-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

Just some fun on a Saturday!

Berry in a jar

2010-12-04T14:57:00.000-05:00

I took this photo in New Mexico. I was collecting glass jars from my recycling efforts and decorating with them. This jar was on my kitchen window in front of the sink. I used a background of Oil Tanker - free on the web , contrasted, changed color balance and glass ripple filter on the second layer - the jar. I love the colors - but of course, I do LOVE bright!

Celebrate the Season

2010-12-02T18:11:00.002-05:00

New art:

Finished: We are at War

2010-11-29T18:34:00.000-05:00

I attached a decorated tray that contains all the stuff we see on Television or on advertising. It's the part called "You'd never know we are at war." section.

New Work - political

2010-11-27T17:09:00.000-05:00

I've been working on a mixed media piece - I wanted to portray the world I see versus the world I see on television. I learned Journalism in the 80s - interviewing, researching, writing, editing - all from the view of "here's a story - think about it."
Today, we blatantly have so-called news media reporting fiction as fact - and the line blurs between personal greed and facts we need to know. I am still working on this, but here's a view.

Felting

2010-11-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

I've been dabbling in felting ever since I saw my sister's new big boulder pillows. They are huge like rocks - and they are so comfy. I could never get anything that big, but I am learning about making smaller ones. Also, I tried making some felted Xmas trees with Styrofoam trees. Pretty cool.

Fractured again

2010-11-15T17:03:00.000-05:00

So I am working on a painting and I change my mind daily on how to proceed. First I left a small rectangle in the center and then painted story skies and green grass - slicing the painting in half and the rectangle in half. I never use green. I hate green - I mean, I like the earth green, but I had to wear a green uniform for 12 years in school. I know, I am old, I should GET OVER IT. So I painted the bottom part green. I left it for a day and as I walked into the room the next day - I didn't like it. I started looking at that green. So I added some more yellow and some brown and tan - but it still looked green to me.
Then I was talking with Mike how fucked up the world is - that even when people KNOW the truth, they don't care. I used to think if we just got the word out there - well, people lie to your face and it's taken as fact these days. Well, enough with bursting my Pollyanna bubble - I thought I'd turn the painting into a statement of how we ignore the WAR - we are at WAR, you know, people dying, countries being bombed by aircraft and drones, sons and daughters dying and being maimed - and then in the rectangle, I will put the all the kitten, rainbows, iPad, Kindles, fucking phones, deodorant, new cars, gas-guzzling trucks and celebrities we watch instead of being aware of the WAR.
I started today, glossing some pictures onto the canvas. I am using photos and painting some backgrounds.
I feel better about it, but it'll take some work.

An experiment

2010-10-23T19:28:00.000-04:00

Artists in my Ning group are creating some wild-looking art papers with a degreaser called Citrasolv and old National Geographic magazines. It makes a bubbly type of stain using the ink of the photos and type. Well, Citrasolve is about $8-$10 and I don't have any old NatGeos - so I worked with what I had. Although my experiment did not resemble the Citrasolve papers - I used it in a way that I could reuse the collage in Photoshop and do other things with it. Here's the collage I made from the degreased magazine pages (using Dollar Store degreaser).
I used Fresco, High-Contrast, Ink Outlines and Ocean Ripple filters in Photoshop. I am ready for more!

Thinking of Halloween - and Lesson 3 of my class

2010-10-21T19:50:00.000-04:00

Somt digital fun

2010-10-10T17:16:00.000-04:00

A fun portrait of my late son, Joe - one of the few serious photos I have of him. It was great to make the vivid color background with new brushes. I added a photo of Joe that I had filtered through a cut-out. More to come!

More photo fun #3 and one multi-media painting

2010-10-07T19:41:00.000-04:00

I am having a lot of fun!

Started out as one thing...and became another

2010-10-02T17:28:00.000-04:00

No, it's not the Body Snatchers - it's my painting - I blogged about a painting I was working on - I liked it when I did it, then the next day, I didn't like so much - well, it had a life of its own.
Presenting:
Pieces

And everything changes

2010-09-24T17:23:00.001-04:00

I worked yesterday on a small painting - I had some new paints and I was eager to start using them. So, I gathered together Raw Sienna, Red Oxide, Primary Yellow and Burnt Sienna - a big brush for a small canvas - and off I went. I wanted to capture earth somehow. I've been thinking of long-ranging vistas - big sky with clouds - and I wanted to feel that out in those colors - not in an specific portrait - just colors.

First, I treated the canvas with Gesso to make it textured - I used an AARP plastic card that they keep sending me to join - I don't, but I use the materials in my art. I was happy laying out the colors, mixing them and laying them on the canvas in varying depths and strokes.

I was happy with the results of the first two panes - the wonderful yellow peeking through the siennas - I was tickled - then I packed it up and let it dry.

Today, I came back to work on it some more and it looks different - I am not excited about the colors at all - it's like someone else painted it. I don't know why. I am trying to figure it out - maybe yesterday the paint was wet and it looked cool - today it looks dull and the yellow looks dirty somehow. Geesh.

Well, back to it. Here's a shot.

layers and layers

2010-09-20T15:44:00.000-04:00

I like crows a lot. I always try to talk to them when they stop by the house - they know I am not real, but they still hang around a bit - probably laughing at me, "Get her, trying to sound like us!"
I used three layers and some text. I need to learn to draw a crow.

More photo fun #2

2010-09-19T13:42:00.000-04:00

I am having a lot of fun with brushes, textures and layers.

Layers and Swirls - more practice - Homage to Timothy Leary

2010-09-18T18:51:00.000-04:00

I was so excited over learning to make and use brushes in Photoshop. I still am, but my practice has been a little off lately. It seems I get stuck on the things I know how to do - but don't experiment much. So, today was experiment day - I did an almost black and white one - and it has a long title, but you'll understand it - hopefully. I am also working on getting my brushes arranged. If I keep them all in my file, it takes forever to get Photoshop up and running - it looks at every file and takes a lot of time doing it. It's getting better now that I am re-organizing it - thanks to MW for the help!

Title one: Do nuns hallucinate in black and white?

Title two: Um, do you see what I see? Yes, sister, just sit back and relax like Timothy said.

A Tree for Timothy Leary

Another path

2010-09-13T17:08:00.000-04:00

I've been going through a lot - I've started exercising - I know this is not ground-breaking news, but it is for me. I have to haul a lot of weight around the track - which I might add, I haven't done in a long time - well, because it's too damn hard when you're obese.
But I am going every other day - and I am finding out that:

I hurt at night
I had no idea a mile was so long.
I sweat and pant unlike others on the track who just walk and listen to music.
My ankles are really wishy-washy, but I can't wear my hiking boots on the track.
Pulling down 30 pounds doesn't sound like much, but after 10 times, it feels like 100.

I am also using the time to think about my art. I've been stuck and afraid for awhile. I know afraid is a weird word, but when I start something like a painting, I'm afraid I will screw it up - so I start, but don't finish - or know when to finish. I've discovered that I just need to DO it - no magic inspiration, no quick fixes - just apply paint to brush and see up where you end up.

First attempt:

This started out as a purple and red background with a copper circle - then I panicked and didn't do anything - this is the result of messing around with gesso, a plastic card, bubble wrap, a textured ribbon and a wipe rag.

I added two shaman today - one's me and one's my shadow self.

And yes, I still hurt.

4 x 6 cards for a swap

2010-09-09T00:20:00.000-04:00

I played with some spray inks I have for stamping - I used a heavy watercolor paper and just closed my eyes and sprayed...I let them dry and then sprayed some more - I also used a dab-on paint applicator (blue). I then used some vintage photos, inked them and put them on foam spacers for a different look. I like the way they turned out. Actually, the one with the old gear wheel is from a photo I took in Sutter Creek, CA. I changed it to black and white and printed it on light watercolor paper - I then sprayed it with some Pale Ale ink. The cut-out crow is a Paula Best stamp colored in with Sharpie Pens.

Finished Stick

2010-08-26T17:35:00.000-04:00

It is part of a larger object - but I finished the Zentangling, pasting with paper and sealing with varnish!

More photo fun

2010-08-18T14:58:00.000-04:00

And a desktop background for my computer

Abstract is completed - The Ancients

2010-08-13T17:10:00.001-04:00

I finally finished and framed my abstract. I started with gesso, making the canvas highly textured before I painted the background. I added handmade paper with Gel to the canvas. I wrapped old large cinnamon sticks (no, they don't smell anymore) with recycled sari silk yarn, leaving one side with a tail. I wanted the feeling of nomads - picking up and leaving in a short notice. The handmade paper had all the cave-like drawings on it and it became transparent using the Gel medium. It measures 16 x 20 inches.
I like the way it came out and am thinking of some more paintings for this month!

Some more fun with photo editing

2010-08-12T20:26:00.000-04:00

I had some fun with photo editing.

Thoughts of Frida - using a Paperwhimsy background, I layered a red-colored photo of Frida I bought on the Internet. I loved those beads. I added some trees I found on line in the form of brushes - one click and there's a tree. Too cool.
How Nature Says Don't Touch - one of my favorite photography studies - the thistle - layered on top of a sharply contrasted background.
Mike Trims the Leaf - I changed the color of a photo of a large leaf and added a photo of Mike on his tractor - I eliminated the lawn and positioned him on a leaf vein - then "posterized" him.

New Necklaces for my Etsy Store Opening

2010-07-24T19:46:00.000-04:00

I started this weekend getting some necklaces ready for my Etsy Store - I am doing some different lengths instead of the long ones I do for myself.

Painting with and on vegetables

2010-07-19T16:44:00.000-04:00

I am trying out a recipe in my slow-cooker and the recipe called for a head of red cabbage - so I had some leaves and the core left over - so what naturally came to me was - do something arty with them!!

Here are my creations!! I only had purple and yellow paint at hand, so that's why it looks that way. I put some purple on the core and started stamping. I then came back with yellow on a small brush and painted in some of the bare spots.

One of the leaves made an interesting "tree," so I painted it too!!

Boo in the Clouds

2010-07-10T11:46:00.000-04:00

Boo, my favorite "look-into-my-eyes - you can't stop petting me" dog.

New Digital Art

2010-07-08T15:48:00.000-04:00

Mike with Toothpick

World Dog #1

Happy Birthday, Frida

2010-07-06T18:50:00.000-04:00

My Frida paper doll - handmade paper, Frida stamp - ATC size

She loved parties - she danced (when she wasn't in pain), she drank and she loved life with Diego Rivera - even though he was not faithful. Frida suffered health problems - crude operations, steel girdles and casts weighed her down.
But she painted - and loved - and was loved. My favorite photos are of her wearing jewelry a friend had made - large chunky rocks - she loved the look.
Her paintings are an acquired taste - her uni-eyebrow draws you in - her painting depicting her pain are truly riveting.
Thinking of you, Frida - I'll raise my glass to you tonight!

Published!!

2010-07-03T14:48:00.001-04:00

On the Path to Creativity

I am hesitant to start this path

Fear of failure looms high in the dark clouds

In the sky above

Doubt makes my steps falter

And I feel it’s better not to start than fail

Then a soft red breeze comes around the far bend

Ideas flutter like yellow butterflies

For my attention

I hold out my hand and one comes to me

And before I know it

I am far along the path

Amazed at my progress

And not feeling afraid anymore

Come join me!

The art group book, Many Hands, Many Lands is published!! My art piece is on the cover (Second row - third-across) I have a two-page spread with my bio - how I created my piece and then a picture of my piece and a poem I wrote about it.

It's a Blurb book - a self-publish site. We volunteered for the project in our Lovin' Mixed Media Ning Group Four journals were sent around the world collecting art from artists. They all came home to the coordinator, Danielle Evans. She edited the copy, transferred the art and compiled our pages and comments. What a job!!

The book is a paperback and I can't scan it right now. Here's the art and the poem I submitted. I started The Path with digital backgrounds I created. I added a hand-drawn Zentangle, handmade paper and letters.

It's a happy dance day!

You can't see my pages on the Blurb site, but you can see the book and some pages of other artists and purchase it:
http://www.blurb.com/books/1428133

Fooling around - making brushes

2010-06-08T14:55:00.000-04:00

Such fun!!!

Some digital play with layers and brushes

Made a brush of a vintage portrait - made it look like a stamp and then made it a brush.

Grandma's Journal

Downloaded some brushes from brusheezy.com and went to town (oh, I added the text - it's not a brush)

Agents of Change

Use of my brush on a background of an old ledger.

Nana likes lists.

New abstract

2010-06-06T12:17:00.000-04:00

The Dreamtime
well, as much as a Hispanic Irish female can have of the sacred Dreamtime...

Fotoshop Fun - taking a class

2010-06-05T12:10:00.000-04:00

I am finally learning about layers and brushes. I managed to get some pics done already. The adventure moves on.
The first painting is done with free brushes found on www.brusheezy.com I did use the text tool to write Hope (Taco Modern font)

This one is done using all digital brushes from the link above.

The blue fountain was filtered in Photoshop and I used a blue texture layer. Statue is on Portland, OR

Some postcard Art

2010-05-18T19:38:00.000-04:00

Fooling around with "stuff"

From the top: Orange Path: watercolors, handmade paper, medium gel, iridescent paint
In Pieces: watercolors, handmade digital background pieces, medium gel, Sharpie Pens
Spiral in the Middle: ChartPak markers, Sharpie pen
Straight Shot: Chartpak markers, Sharpie Pen
Snake? What snake?: Chartpak markers, Sharpie Pen

All made while watching/listening to Avatar - ahhhhh Mother Tree...

A New Look

2010-03-26T15:11:00.000-04:00

I am not settled on this one yet, but I am still learning how to use the template designer. Stay tuned for changes.

Beadin' Time

2010-03-07T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've been in move phase for so long that actually having a place dedicated to beading is like heaven.
Of course, I am not settled permanently yet, but I did move to the dining room from the bedroom. Or should I say, ex-dining room. It is an underused room, so we thought I could have it for a craft room.
It is located to the left of the front door entrance - we thought we would line the opening with bookshelves on both sides - shelves facing the entrance hallway and shelves facing the craft room. It's going to be a long time for the bookshelves. Mike is still setting up his wood shop and we need that up and running to make bookshelves.

So I am using it as a work room right now. I bought a chrome steel shelving unit for the bead supplies. I'll use the dining room table for beading and return the supplies to the shelf when I am done.

I can't wait for my basement bead room to be complete - but that is REALLY far down the road - like installing a floor, ceiling and walls?
Here are some necklaces I made for my etsy shop. I need to retake this pictures as the background didn't work out well. I am getting some inventory before I open the shop.
1. Shiny Indian saucer-type beads
2. Turq. necklace with clay face
3. Carved leopard jasper with pearls
4. Wooden beads with large resin bead
5. Red and black shell heishi beads

Eeeck!!

2010-02-18T13:14:00.002-05:00

Look at that Last Posted date: January...I HAVE been busy. I've been making cards - entered two swaps (hand-drawn Van Gogh and last set of Tarot cards) and I forgot to scan them before I sent them off. Then, I made cards for grandnieces and Mom. Every week, I was piddling on the computer and getting my books read for the 50 Books a Year Challenge.
So today I am painting the concrete form's background color and picking out paper for it. I need some yarns too. I need to find them in the basement in some box somewhere. THAT should keep me busy for a long time.
I did get some Journal art books. I can't wait to try some of the techniques out. So much to do, so little time - wonder if I really need sleep?

Painted Earth

2010-01-23T18:37:00.002-05:00

The newest necklace is my push to get my Etsy shop opened. I need more stock!

Materials:

picture jasper pendant with silver frame

wooden beads

bone spacer beads

pietrisite beads

brown horn tubes

Hill Tribe silver beads

From clasp to pendant is 13 inches long. I really liked making this - I cannabilized another necklace to work with these beads - I didn't think the old necklace was a good design, but I like the beads. so, it comes back as Painted Earth.

Journal book - decorated

2010-01-18T13:19:00.002-05:00

I played with Gesso, gold paint, decorated paper, an envelope and a photo of Jake Gyllenhaal starring as the Prince of Persia.

I wrote a short passage about past loves.

One Task Done

2010-01-17T18:14:00.003-05:00

Well, I did write I was going to finish beading and attach the clasp - ta da! Done.

It's called Deep Earth. The components are:

Clear crystal chips
Lava Rock
Red Horn
Pewter Earth Pendant (from Happy Mango Beads)
Silver Hill Tribe beads

I also am working on the artistic journal page. I signed up for a free art class online.

This is a Must Read

2010-01-17T11:28:00.002-05:00

Journal page 2008 - Janice Lopez

Well, not MY blog, but I found a great artist blog - Roz Wound Up. You know how it is. You start reading one thing and start clicking links - and I wound up at one of Roz's blog.

http://rozwoundup.typepad.com/roz_wound_up/2010/01/rule-1-youre-never-too-tired.html

I am dealing with being blocked in my art. There's always something to do first or housework or just plain surfing instead of working. Come to think of it, I've been told I've been lazy for most of my life. Starting in school (not living up to potential - "Only if she TRIED.) and not competing for stupid things was one of my mantras. "Let's see who can win (fill in the blank). No thanks. You win."

I don't know what reading books means to other people, but I'd rather spend my time lost in another world an author has created rather than do housework in this one. It's just me being me. No excuses, no apologies - well, maybe if you could just overlook the dust on my furniture.

Roz's second point hit home to me. Practicing eats supplies that I cannot replace readily - BUT why do I have them if I don't USE them? It's just procrastination speaking, I realized. You can't fail if you don't try. Bingo!

Today, I actually:

wrote in my journal (Okay the first time was January 1st and now, January 17th. (what happened to the other 16 days?)

finished beading a necklace -still need to wire the clasp on

I have plans for:

writing in journal AND decorating a page

wire the clasp to the necklace

start my stick and concrete form project

clean my art room - well, a bit anyway (see, there I go again!)

Angels Among Us Swap

2010-01-09T17:32:00.004-05:00

I really had to stretch for this one - angels? Let's see, I could do the dark side - but I opted for cheery colors and some pop-out on the cards (the cat has pop-up foam).

Angel Angie

Cabinet card from my collection

Background: decorative paper

Wings: rubber stamp by Paula Best

Colors: Sharpie Pens (R) done by J.Lopez

Angel Cat

Rubber stamp set - cat, wings, hands by Paula Best

Background: created by J. Lopez

Colors - Sharpie Pens (R) done by J. Lopez

More Tarot

2009-12-23T17:10:00.005-05:00

Here's the next set of Tarot cards! The muted gray is actually shiny silver.

Your mind will be full

2009-12-18T14:30:00.002-05:00

I saw Avatar last night - first screening at midnight. Be prepared for the most involved artistic adventure in a long time - the costumes, the art, the environment - nothing was left to chance. Nothing.

I never wanted to be blue before - now I do.

Tarot Swap ATCs - third set due

2009-12-15T13:39:00.003-05:00

I just read today that the next set of Tarot Cards are due in February. I've gotten some compliments on my use of vintage photos, so I am continuing the theme. I have to do:

The Hanged Man
Death
Temperance
The Devil
The Tower (think I will use the Empire State Building)

This is going to be fun!

Exotic Beauty Swap cards

2009-12-15T13:36:00.003-05:00

Two cards - both of them I started with rubber stamps. One I colored with Sharpie Pens; the other I decorated with Zentangle doodles.

Holiday Card released

2009-12-14T10:24:00.002-05:00

Ok, released is just a fancy word for "I made the holiday card and mailed them out." I only made around 20 and everyone else received a storebought card - but it's a matter of materials and time rather than I-love-you-less.

I did not do my annual newsletter - with sparkly designs and photos - my printer is acting weird and giving me colors in photos I do not want. It could be a number of problems - cheap ink I switched to - I don't like paying over $13 for one ink cartridge when I have six to replace. I like having the individual colors - I only replace the one that is running low - but prices have been creeping up from the original $7.59 for one to over $13 for the same ink. And, add to the fact that my printer is not made anymore, the ink is getting harder to find. It's a great printer when it's not "sick." And my life has been a series of one step forward and fifteen steps back lately - and it became daunting to write a cheery newsletter.

I am lucky that I decorated for Xmas and mailed out 30 cards.

More cards

2009-11-19T13:21:00.002-05:00

I did a self-portrait swap - those photos were in the last blogs - and I did another phase of the Tarot cards swap.

I had great fun. I stayed with the graffiti/grunge background, but this time I added silver tape instead of copper. Enjoy!

Seems like forever

2009-11-09T14:31:00.002-05:00

I finally finished my self-portraits for a swap. It took a long time, as picking a photo took me forever. Then it was, how do I see myself? Well, I'll let you in on a secret - what I think I look like does NOT match what I really look like. Ah, aging, wrinkles and gravity have hit with a horrible intensity to my once lovely (well, debatable) face. So, I put the portrait into Photoshop and made it all artsy, so although you can tell it is my face, the details get lost in the mix.

Rather than trying to make the portrait definitive, I decided just to start decorating with favorite colors, symbols and stamps. it was fun adding things. Trouble is, when will I know I am finished? Enjoy.

Another vision

2009-10-19T13:41:00.003-04:00

Wooden beads and turq. nuggets and carved melon

In design - face pendant OR

Three face clay pendants?

Okay, I was designing a pearl necklace and this popped into my head as I was looking at the stash of beads I have. Then of course, having switched tasks in my head, I made it. I am still looking for my amethyst chips. I also took out some strands I found and put them on a table where I can see them. I need some solutions for too much stuff. Meanwhile, back to looking for amethyst.

Beads a' plenty

2009-10-14T13:55:00.004-04:00

One thing vacation means to me is time to bead. Everyone gets very busy in the sun, swimming, going out to eat and with all that going on, I get time to bead. No sun for me and a good peanut butter and jelly sandwich is one of the true pleasures in life.

Here are my necklaces from my vacation of Panama City BEach, Florida.

They are made of:

Blue Peruvian opal chips and tube beads
Hill Tribe silver spacers
Pewter discs
Bone pendants (symbol and writing)
Alice Seely pewter pendant
Glass trading beads
Sterling silver clasps

They were a lot of fun. Blue Peruvian opal is getting hard to find at a reasonable price (was it ever reasonable???). Enjoy!

It's about time - art

2009-10-14T13:41:00.005-04:00

It's been ages - okay - a REALLY long time since I posted here. Life intrudes on art - especially when your art materials are scattered in a pile of taped boxes.

To get me started again, I joined some swaps. Here are the fruits of my labor (always wanted to say that - I always thought, apples, oranges, banana?). The Frida doll swap - I never made dolls before, so this was a chance to use the Making Memories brad setter - too cool. I cut the arms and legs out of some Zentangle work I did in colors. I made the dresses out of handmade paper. Her head was a stamp colored with Photoshop. I am happy with them. It was a leap for me.

Tarot swap: I used scrapbook paper, paint chips, metallic letters, vintage photos done in high contrast black and white and various forms of copper tape. It was so much fun.

New art!!! Finally

2009-09-20T17:27:00.005-04:00

Some Tarot Swap Cards - I am trying for a grunge/vintage woman type theme - I think I am going to get there - I used some grafitti paper, handmade paper, black and white renditions of some vintage photos and a new font for the titles. More to come!

No Art Yet

2009-08-21T15:47:00.002-04:00

No art yet - still unpacking. I found some cool stuff I didn't remember I had though, so it's like Xmas and my birthday rolled into one. Too cool.

alphabets

2009-06-07T13:51:00.002-04:00

i finished some more letters last night, but still need to post them. i did the backgrounds with Sharpie highlighters instead of the Zip pens I used for the others. the bright color seems to pop the letters even more.

before i left new mexico, i joined some art groups on line - i need to get busy with them. i know the top priority is finding a house, but i need some art time in the evenings. i now need some card blanks or card stock. i don't know where they are in all my packed materials. i will need to go over to my other sister-in-laws to go through the boxes over there. i'd consider buying some, but the nearest store is about 40 miles away. i don't think i am cut out for gated communities out in the middle of nowhere. i'd be on the road all the time and not doing any art.

until i get the camera, here a hot pepper i did awhile ago. i used markers.

Pen in Hand

2009-06-04T22:01:00.003-04:00

It felt good to get a Sharpie in my hand again. Now, I need to take some pictures of the alphabet letters I did today. I did five cards and started five more.
The movie list was Cloverfield, Bourne Identity and I Robot to get the cards done. I have a huge tv in the place where I am staying - it is so cool. It was raining today - I haven't had a whole rainy day in three years - it was nice. New Mexico rain gets it done and moves on - then the blue sky comes out and the rain is forgotten as it sinks into the ground and dries up. Rain? What rain?
More art tomorrow, I hope.

Art? What Art?

2009-06-02T23:46:00.000-04:00

I am in thre process of unpacking some of my art stuff - from the move. We drove from New Mexico to Georgia - we took four days - didn't drive at night - and now we are here in our temporary lodgings - Mike's sister.
We are in the lower level of her condo on a lake - very nice accomodations, I must say. One of his other sisters is housing some of our stuff and most of our possessions are in storage at the PODS place.
I did unpack some paper and glue today - guess what I am going to fit in tomorow? ART!

Beads and Books

2009-05-07T21:07:00.002-04:00

Leave it to me to work with the heaviest things to move. I have some IKEA metal boxes that are full of beads - they are very heavy - and even the plastic ones are heavy. Nothing like moving stones across the country.

I'm at this time in my life where my buying time is over. Not working and living off savings is different than when I was working. After work, I'd pop into a bead store - walk out with a little bag and lighter wallet. I loved pouring over beads - touching them - designing in my head with them.

So I guess the "procurement phase" is over - now the designing begins with what I have. Of course, you can never have enough clasps - so I still go for those - but I hear the siren song of beads - hung on wall - wanting to come home with me. And join all those other beads that are at present being boxed and taped. I was packing boxes today and I received a package from a friend for my birthday last week. Guess what? Beads!!! They are wonderfully carved - black and white - she included all the beads to complement them too - silver, black and white beads! They are really great - I want to work on them, but they will go in a special box.

I have a system. Mostly all the beads are packed for the Pod ride. A special box will go with me - sorta like a bead kit for addicts. I imagine I am not going to find a house right away - so I will be able to bead at night. Where there is a bead - a beader will find a way to string it.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-05-01T18:51:00.003-04:00

I am 63 today. I was thinking about my art over the years - how it went from copying matchbook covers to classes at universities - and just sitting in my art room hacking around. I have great ideas, but they always don't make it to canvas.

So, I thought I would share my "bestest" work ever - well, I think it's the best I've ever done. My old woman - is taken from a photograph - well, she didn't end up looking like the photograph at all - the photo just got me started. I did it on illustration board in the late 70s. I broke an old time script playing in my head and enrolled in a continuing education class at the University of Delaware. It was really a lot of fun and work - but she is my main project. all dots or small lines. It's all beat up now from the move and the board is turning yellow - but I just love her.

Clouds and Stuff

2009-04-29T20:42:00.003-04:00

Well, while watching Deadliest Catch last night, I was doodling - of course. I seem to always have a black Sharpie pen in my hands these days.

I needed a cloud for a challenge - to load it into the photo file for the group. I also promised some cards to a couple who collects them - and they will send some back to me.

Here's the group! Black Sharpie pen on white black cardstock ATC blanks.

More of the Alphabet

2009-04-28T20:44:00.003-04:00

I am almost finished A through E, so I started on F through J this weekend. It went faster than I thought. I am stamping some background shapes in gold ink on the A through E cards, so I will decorate the F through J cards starting Friday. I have to get these in the mail!!

p.s. - no, I have not worked on my journal.

Can't move

2009-04-20T13:17:00.003-04:00

I sit in front of my composition journal - stoked about creating it - and I am paralyzed.

All the cool techniques seem to vanish in my head - and I go back looking through tutorials and samples of other artists' works. This fear of not being "right" blocks me from trying things. Getting it right the first time seems to be the first thing in my mind.

Why do I listen to that little voice saying - do you really want to do that? so this week, I am practicing trying one technique on my pages. Maybe if I take little steps, I can get to where I want to be.

Struggling with my art as I am struggling with life right now - could there be a connection? Gosh, you think? (light goes on over head)