Thursday, December 29, 2011

Art Journal Page

The quote inspired the drawing of the man. Colored pencil over an acrylic wash. I liked the design of the postage stamp and thought it's color and pattern complimented my layout.

"And in that line was a whiskered old man, with a linen cap and a crooked nose, who waited...to share his part in the secret of Heaven; that each affects the other and the other affects the next, and the world is full of stories, but the stories are all one." Mitch Albom
The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

December Sketchbook Challenge

The theme for the December Sketchbook Challenge is "Trashed, ruined and decay". Not a real strong tie to the theme for me other than the stamps I saved from being trashed.

Keep Your Eye on the Prize is my title for this art journal page. I worked the design by drawing the image of a trophy over the face of my daughter Brook. I painted around the trophy with gesso trying to maintain a balance between the trophy standing out without covering the image of my daughter entirely. To further support the theme, I inserted a blue ribbon into a slit that I cut in the page. The writing chronicles some of the recent wins showing dogs that my daughter has accomplished.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Boston Terrier plus 1 Bulldog - Merry Christmas!

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Christmas this year was “Dog Christmas” which Mark & I celebrated at Mom’s house. Pictured are our 4 boston terriers plus all of the granddogs. Ruby & Simon, my Mom’s dogs, aren’t included in the picture (we had overstayed our welcome with them).

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Waiting to open Christmas Presents…

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…is it time yet?

Monday, December 26, 2011

Crow Picture & Quote


"The way a crow shook down on me, the dust of snow from a hemlock tree. Has given my heart a change of mood and saved some part of a day I had rued." Robert Frost
A picture that I took of a crow a couple of years ago.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Merry Christmas – A Gift for You

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I designed this cardboard church along with others for the 2006 Holiday issue of Stampington Inspirations. As a little Christmas gift I am including the pattern below (This was not included in the magazine).



Above are the patterns for the cardboard Church. You are welcome to copy and print them. They should be printed full size on 8 1/2" x 11" paper. If this doesn't work for you just send me a message and I will be happy to email you this pattern in PDF format. The circular hole on the back side is for a light to fit through if you wish.

To see my three page article, the 2006 holiday issue of Stampington Inspirations is available here.

I hope that you have a joyous holiday season!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Gourdon the Gourd Doll

This is the gourd doll that I made for Art Doll Quarterly's Call for Creativity. Gordon even landed himself a full page photo stylist spread in the magazine! I always like to try challenges that help to get me out of my box. I don't understand why artists would want to limit themselves to a specific medium. I am routinely told "Oh, I couldn't make that, I am a ______ artist". I have found that techniques or compositions that are learned in other mediums often lead to new ideas in your primary medium. Not that I think everyone should try making a gourd doll, but I encourage you, when the opportunity arises to try a medium that takes you out of your comfort zone.

Doesn't Gourdon look happy? I shaped his teeth with a dremel (kind of felt like a dentist).


To see my gourd doll and read the article you can find Art Doll Quarterly, Autumn 2007 here.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

More Maps of Possibilities - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking

Behind the pages look -
This is the bottom view of the Map of Self Discovery, a map that is included in Jill K. Berry's book Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking. I thought you might like to see this view of the nesting cone maps, as they were not included. They are compass roses etched in three different medals.

I often do a lot of research to develop my ideas for a piece of art. I like to record this process in my art journal. Click on pictures for larger view.

All of the writing on the left side of the page and above the transparency on the right side are taken from various web sites on the internet. From the transparency on down I am starting to develop my own ideas. The transparency is the actual pattern that I created for the etched brass cartouche of the map.

Further working out my idea for the symbolism that this map incorporates.

Sometime in the future I will feature this map on this blog as I think it is one of the most symbolic and important pieces of art that I have created so far.

For now it is available to see in Jill's book Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking along with my condensed thought out explanation of the map.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Assemblage - Gift That Comes With Strings Attached.

Since it is the holiday season I thought it would be a good time to present this assemblage to give warning "Be careful of accepting gifts with strings attached". I'm really not that cynical but I do have quite the wandering imagination of "what ifs".

The most challenging part of creating this assemblage was attaching the strings to the hands as it was glued shut from the backside. I was able to salvage the porcelain hands from a broken figurine.

Fritz is Wondering “Where are all of the Christmas Presents?

 

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This is going to be Fritz’s first Christmas. I think that this is the smallest Charlie Brown tree we have had yet. It has been put up on the table to prevent ornament theft by the bostons. Fritz weighs under 8 lbs to give to an idea of the scale. I hope you are enjoying your holiday preparations.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Boston Terrier Countdown to Christmas

Christmas music is playing and we are busy getting ready for Christmas here. Edna is off traveling around the show circuit with her sisters. Frankie, Fritz and Gertie are spending some time at Grandma & Grandpa's house. Pictured: Rufus, Frankie, Fritz, Spanky, Gertie and Ziggy. Hopefully we will be able to get a picture of the whole gang for Christmas. We hope that you are enjoying your day!

Good dogs...here's your cookies!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Golden Eagle Silhouette


“The day is done, and the darkness, Falls from the wings of Night, As a feather is wafted downward, From an eagle in his flight” Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


A picture of a Golden Eagle taken by my husband Mark this Fall.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

The Mime - When Fantasy Becomes Reality

THE MIME
When Fantasy Becomes Reality

Claude spent most of his time living in a world of fantasy.


One day his fantasy became reality.


If only Claude could call out for help.


His frantic gestures led only to further amuse his viewers.


First act or grand finale?

The idea of a mime being trapped in a jar came from the classic "Mime trapped in a glass box" performances. When "fantasy becomes reality" is the theme of this piece. What if a mime was trapped in a jar and couldn't ask for help because he was a mime? What if the more frantic he became only led to further amusing his audience? Somerset Studio magazine had a "Call for entries - enchanting jar scenes". This is the concept that I came up with, perhaps a bit more odd than enchanting!

To see this jar and other jars view the March/April 2007 issue of Somerset Studio available here.

Thank you to my son-in-law Joel! You did an excellent job of modeling and acting out the mime role!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Project 4 - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking

Another project that I have done from Jill K. Berry's book - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking. The project from her book that I was inspired by is called Hand Map.

Welcome to RAEvN Land! Home to special places in my life and a lot of puns! Towns are named after places where family, friends and I have lived. Come sailing with me on Artistic Ocean, Analytical Ocean or Productive Ocean. Although a boat ride in the Gulf of Passion is saved exclusively for my husband Mark. For you land lubbers there are Mountains of Information, Idea Desert or Painters Peak. Beware, keep away from Carpel Tunnel. I hope you have a creative journey!

I am fortunate to also be a contributing artist for Jill's book. (I won't be posting my art that is included in her book on my blog).

Project 9 for - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking


This is one of the projects that I have done from Jill K. Berry's book - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking. I am fortunate to also be a contributing artist for Jill's book. (I won't be posting my art that is included in her book on my blog). The project from her book is called Pop-up Memory Map.

I am interested in totem animals. On May 20 on our way home from the cabin Mark and I seen these animals cross the road in front of us in the order indicated on the map. I looked up the meaning on the internet for each of these animals and included that on my map.

After some time away from the map and looking at it with fresh eyes I realize that these animals represent the stages in my married life:
Rabbit - Ability to procreate, fleetness and movement by leaps. This certainly describes the first years of my marriage. I had three children within four years of my marriage. We went from renting an old farmhouse to an apartment to our starter home ...
Deer - a new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened - Getting to know my husband and children and what I am capable of doing.
Squirrel - Balance within the circle of gathering and giving out - This certainly describes what being mother and raising her children is all about.
Snapping Turtle - Honor the creative source within, longevity, ability to grasp opportunities. Now that my children are all grown up and out of the house this is what I need to work on. And Mark, sorry for snapping! (It's just a phase I'm going through).

What if I had seen the snapping turtle first in my married life?

The process of creating art is like that for me, it heightens my personal awareness. Jill's book is a wonderful way to jump start your creative journey!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Project 11 for - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking

This is one of the projects that I have done from Jill K. Berry's book - Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking. I am fortunate to also be a contributing artist for Jill's book. (I won't be posting my art that is included in her book on my blog). The project from her book is called The Right Place at the Right Time. While mapping out our pets, my family and I enjoyed reminiscing about all of the animals that have lived at our place. Creating this map provided a nice trip down memory lane!

I decided to map out the pets that we have had since living in our present house. It was always a dream of mine to live on a hobby farm. The gold colored shed is the first shed that we had. We actually moved it from our previous house which is less than 1 mile away. This shed housed 1 chicken, 2 cats and six goats. With our expanding herd of goats we built the gray pole shed. The increase in shed size led to an even greater increase in goat herd size! The most pets we have had at one time including house pets was 25. This was when my kids were younger and lived at home so was the "right time" to have many pets. Three of the goats were rehomed but I found that I didn't have the heart to break up anymore goat families after that. All of the rest of the pets have lived out their lives here. I think that it is important that if you buy a pet or are responsible for bringing them into the world that you should look out for their welfare until they pass on. This month our last goat passed on. I am sad!

My hobby farm is currently composed of one of the original cats and the original chicken. They are both 16 years old. I'm not sure what my dream is now! The current plan is we are done with outside animals for now. We also have 4 boston terriers who are house dogs. They don't even like to venture outside in the Winter!

Next I want to map the pets I had as a child and the houses we lived in prior to this one.
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Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving Art Journal Entry

My journal entry after getting together with family for Thanksgiving. I drew a robin rather than a turkey. I must be thinking about Spring...

Monday, November 21, 2011

Art Journal Page - Andy Warhol Quote

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I found this Andy Warhol Quote:

Don’t think about making art…just get it done…let everybody else say whether its good or not…and while they’re deciding…keep making more art.

I found this quote to be so relevant to my creative journey that I have placed it at the top of my side bar.

My first idea was to find a picture from the Shaker book that I have, illustrating someone making art. These two ladies fit the bill. In serendipitous journaling behavior I found Andy Warhol’s famous Campbell Soup Can art in the American Craft magazine that I have been collaging from. This art was the inspiration for my tomato red color. I don’t use the color red very often so this was leading me out of my comfort zone. I like the combination of red coral and turquois in jewelry and decided to play with these colors together on my journal page. While flipping through the magazine later, looking for more inspiration, I found the tiny Campbell Soup Can image. An "M" with a brush caught my eye because of the color. After tearing the "M" out of the magazine I found it upside down on my table and seen a “W”, for Warhol. I admire the craftmanship of the Shakers but decided to “shake” things up a bit and add some bright colors and quirky designs to their clothes and décor.

Friday, November 11, 2011

November Sketchbook Challenge – Imaginary Animals

 

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I combined this month’s theme “Imaginary Animals” with an entry into my FRagMENteD Journal.  This painting was inspired by Lynn Whipple’s Ninnies. She takes vintage cabinet photos and paints imaginary creatures over them. You can see her work HERE.

I am as a boston terrier. Look at my square face and jowls! They say owners resemble their pets, no wonder I like boston terriers! I tried to take a picture of myself to mimic the serious poses on vintage cabinet photos. Upon reflecting here: I look like I am waiting for something to eat; Someone to feed me; Perhaps my master to come home. Funny, not my intention. I had to include one of my RAEvNs. While we don’t have any ravens where I live, seeing crows gets the dogs quite excited.

Boston terriers have been bred to not have long tails, I guess I needed one to feel balanced!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

IT’S HERE! Personal Geographies: Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking

 

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I couldn’t wait, so I ordered a copy of Personal Geographies – Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking by Jill K. Berry from Amazon. I was priviledged to be invited as a contributing artist. Upon seeing the book I can say that I am honored to be included among such a diverse and talented group of artists whose work appears in the book. I truly enjoyed making the projects included in the book, in fact I made most of them. Jill did a fabulous job of putting together this inspirational book. I am still processing all of the wonders of this book and will be posting more comments about it and projects from it in the future.

Here is a link to Jill’s blog and a her book blog Personal Geographies.

You can order your own copy of Personal Geographies – Explorations in Mixed Media Mapmaking HERE!

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Pictured above is part of my promotional team, Ziggy and Spanky.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Sketchbook Challenge



I am happy to announce that I have a "special guest profile" featured on the Sketchbook Challenge Blog today. You can find the article HERE!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Art Journals

 

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My art journals that I have gathered together so far. Why am I compelled to record my thoughts, ideas and artistic journey?

Monday, November 7, 2011

Friday, November 4, 2011

FRagMENteD Journal Entry

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Another entry to my FRagMENteD Journal. It is hard for me to believe that this painting started with a photocopy of myself. My intent was to paint loosely, with simple designs and bright colors. I gave myself permission to not maintain an exact likeness of myself. This was quite freeing.

It did not turn out like the artists’ whose work I admire. It still looks like my art. My art holds no mystery to me. Time away from the piece does help - to look at it with fresh eyes. Can you see me underneath all of the paint?

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Assemblage Art Journals in my Etsy Shop!

 

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ALBERT EINSTEIN

This one of a kind assemblage journal has been made with oak veneer plywood book boards. To the book boards is bolted a brass plate that a life size portrait of Albert Einstein has been hand-drawn and then etched upon. A photograph of Albert Einstein's actual eyes has been place under a vintage pair of glasses similar to the ones Einstein would have worn. In the cutout is featured Einstein's quote
"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere". Albert Einstein 1879 - 1955.
The 8" x 10" book is bound with waxed linen thread in the coptic style enabling the book to lie open flat when in use. Six signatures of 140lb watercolor paper with a total of 72 pages enables you to use most wet or dry mediums.

For Sale in my Etsy shop.

 

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TUNING INTO CREATIVITY

This one of a kind assemblage journal has been made with oak veneer plywood book boards. To the book boards is bolted a brass plate that has been hand-drawn and then etched upon. Bolted on to the cover is a vintage radio dial that actually turns, so you can "Tune into Creativity"!
Enclosed is a side view of the book to illustrate how much the handle projects from the surface.
disclaimer: I personally find the inspiration of this journal to more than compensate any hindrance the knob causes. There is a hairline crack to the right side of the logo on top of the dial which isn't noticeable unless you are looking for it.
The 6 1/4" x 8 1/4" book is bound with waxed linen thread in the coptic style enabling the book to lie open flat when in use. Six signatures of 140lb watercolor paper with a total of 96 pages enables you to use most wet or dry mediums. Pages vary in width, some are 6" wide and some are 4" wide.
Use as a journal, sketchbook, or guest book. Display on your coffee table for guests to doodle or write in. Would make an exceptional gift for yourself or someone special.

For sale in my Etsy shop.

 

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DISCOVERING CREATIVITY

This original art assemblage journal has been made with oak veneer plywood book boards. To the book boards is bolted brass and copper plates that has been hand-drawn, stamped and then etched upon. Bolted onto the brass plate is a vintage door escutcheon plate with a vintage engraving of an eye encased in resin.
The 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" book is bound with waxed linen thread in the coptic style enabling the book to lie open flat when in use. Ten signatures of 140lb watercolor paper with a total of 120 pages enables you to use a variety of wet or dry mediums.
Use as a journal, sketchbook, or guest book. Display on your coffee table for guests to doodle or write in. Would make an exceptional gift for yourself or someone special.

For sale in my Etsy Shop.

 

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THE STANDARD

This one of a kind assemblage journal has been made with oak veneer plywood book boards. To the book boards is bolted a vintage brass plate. "The STANDARD Not genuine without this signature Nathanial Baldwin Salt Lake City, Utah".
The 5 1/2" x 5" book is bound with waxed linen thread in the coptic style enabling the book to lie open flat when in use. Four signatures of 140lb watercolor paper with a total of 64 pages enables you to use most wet or dry mediums. Pages vary in width, some are 6" wide and some are 4" wide.
Use as a journal, sketchbook, or guest book. Display on your coffee table for guests to doodle or write in. Would make an exceptional gift for yourself or someone special.

For sale in my Etsy shop.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Girl and Owl

 

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Girl and Owl painting shown hanging above my desk. Painting available for sale in my Etsy shop.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

New Paintings

In between journaling this past week I have been painting again. I can't begin to tell you how good it feels to be productive again. These are original paintings on a vintage wood patterns by the Gilson Bros. Factory in Fredonia, Wisconsin. The original tin pressed number from each pattern is also included. Click on each picture to see a close-up. The wood has a nice worn patina and adds to the vintage industrial feel to these art pieces. Visit my etsy shop to see these paintings and more.

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GIRL AND OWL

15” X 27”

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BARN OWL

20” X 24”