Saturday, August 13, 2011

A series of little houses

So here is what I did with those little houses I drew. Granted it's a bit hard to tell through the photographs below, but I'm pleased with how each layer of wax added another layer of subtle interest and depth to create the overall landscape. And I love the size!; these all measure 3 1/2" x 2 1/2". I'm currently working out my idea on how to present them..... I can't help but think of creating more little houses with orange, lavender, turquoise doors (just to name a few of the infinite possibilities!).....
"Little House with a Blue Door"

"Little House with a Brown Door"

"Little House with a Red Door"

"Little House with a Yellow Door" 

Thursday, August 11, 2011

I was drawn to houses

Simple little houses....
For whatever reason, the other day, I was drawn to drawing child-like houses. Sometimes simple is better. At times, I tend to over-think, make whatever it might be more complex, than I really need to. Thinking back to what it was I drew when I was little was a good starting point for a new idea... stay tuned  :)

Monday, August 8, 2011

Abstracted, yet detailed

I don't always gravitate to paintings that I would consider abstract in nature. Yet the work of Barbara Krupp caught my eye the other day at the Uptown Art Fair. At first glance I saw blocks of color, but as I looked more closely, my eye also saw the layers of paint, the textural brushstrokes - all of which made up the whole. And to my delight I also saw the unexpected - a so very soft line, delicate and flowing, full of character that ebbed and flowed in and out of the layers of paint. I found it all so very inspiring....

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

I've had an idea....

Duke Ellington once said, "I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues." This is one of my favorite quotes and one that I try to keep in mind more often than not (though easier said than done at times!) when I feel the urge to feel sorry for myself...

During these last few months, my creative ideas have been percolating around in my mind, coming out only a step at a time, as the healing process (in my arms) allows.

The other day I was ready to try the next step to an idea I've had. Painting on fabric - specifically a lovely hemp silk blend (in keeping with my desire to be sustainable) with a delightful texture and weight. Granted this is the first draft, but I am excited by the results and possibilities. Plus, it was fun to do (which is always a plus  ;)  )! So stay tuned and we'll wait and see where the next tweaking of this idea takes us....

Monday, August 1, 2011

Suction pads like no other

My friend, Leah, shared her find with me the other day as she knows I love bugs. It was a brilliant lime-green and 2 1/2" long luna moth caterpillar. I immediately was captivated and marveled at all of it's characteristics - from it's not so pretty head to the girth of it's waist to the hairs on it's pads. Days later, I am still in awe I was able to witness such a creature - a bit of Alice-like-wonderland amongst life's usual routine....