I’ve been busy since Christmas creating some ideas for the January Art Journaling Group. I had previously asked the group if they would like to learn some zentangle or a new painting technique. Most responded with a big vote for zentangle. I thought I needed to brush up on some zentangle so have been trying to sketch something every day. These are a few of what I’ve created thus far. Not sure yet what I will be teaching for the upcoming art journaling class but I’m going to be ready!!
Tag Birds
Pigs and Birds Can Fly!
This is a favorite piece completed last week. Animals are a wonderful subject that I love to paint. I painted several birds over the last few years but until now, only one little piggy. That needed to change as I love pigs and this piece was so fun to merge both! I knew I needed special words for this and If Pigs Could Fly was easy as it is so popular but the second set of words came to me in the middle of the night! I know, crazy, huh!! Enjoy your day and soar your way to new heights!
Wishful Bird
This 11 x 14 original mixed-media piece is for sale at Salvage Designs. Just finished it yesterday and ventured over to the shop for a visit today. My sister was here and I wanted to introduce her to the gals at Salvage Designs. She will be coming to spend a few days in April with me while I do my Mixed-media Workshop at Salvage Designs. Wishful Birds created with layers of recycled papers, ribbon, acrylics, pen and a funky little bird charm on the upper left corner of the painting.
Don’t forget “Spring Forward” everyone!!
Mini Wooden Tags
I’ve been working on some mini wood tags that will be for sale at an event the end of March. It is nice to create something outside of painting on canvas. These are quite small. They would be nice as a small gift or even used as a sweet little gift tag on a special package. I’ve coated them with a layer of art varnish. I like the shine it gives them as well as a nice protective coating.
Happy Sunday & thanks for visiting…comments are always welcome!
Raven 2
Raven 2 finished this afternoon. This piece I placed two coats of a gloss varnish. Once in a great while I do enjoy having that glossy finish on my art, depends on the subject. This piece has several layers of recycled materials including sheet music and used postage stamps. The photo is a bit dark, I had to take the photo without a flash in a darker setting because of the glossy finish. This is number five of my bird series. Enjoying this series, birds are a favorite subject, probably obvious! I’ve worked steadily the last several days as our weather is forcing me to stay indoors. Weekend weather is not promising for getting out so more time in the studio! Thankful I have my art or I just might have a major case of cabin fever!
Thank Goodness It’s Friday!
Raven Speaks!
Morning Brew
I’ve had little time for my blog since the holidays. This piece is one of a series I’ve been working on with birds. I will post more in the next few days. My daughter and I gave each other the gift of an online e-course by Brene Brown. A six-week workshop which is ending this week. It has surprised me the depth of emotions that have come forward and surfaced. It has been good! The class included an art journal which is one of the reasons we wanted to take this particular class. I will share some of my art journal soon as well. We’ve had an incredibly long winter and this week blessed us with a foot of fresh snow. Makes being in the art studio a very easy task as the cold is not my friend! I hope everyone is surviving this winter. If you are like me, I am looking forward to spring with great anticipation!!
Spud
A bit of time has passed since my last post. It’s been a busy time and I imagine will only get busier as the holidays approach. Oh, that’s right, Thanksgiving is next week! Our daughter is coming home (and her little doggie that we love…our grand-dog) for a few days and the time will be marvelous. I have plans for a relaxing and yummy Thanksgiving day but come Friday, we may have to kick into high gear! I have some shopping and baking to do and trying to spend some time with other family and friends! We try to balance the calmness and the running around like crazy! I love the holidays and oh, yes, I usually start decorating the day after Thanksgiving! We’ll squeeze it all in, I’m sure!
This painting may stay in my private collection. Two reasons, one being, years ago I had a special little canary we named Spud. Little Spud sang and sang for several years, giving us such joy. I’ve not had another bird since Spud passed into bird heaven but maybe one day. The other reason for keeping this piece, well. I grew up shy. It’s been a lifetime challenge for me to force myself to speak out and be heard. I’ve often told close friends that at times I feel invisible. They disagree, only because I can talk freely within my close circle. I still get anxious around groups but I’m learning. I always think of myself as a late bloomer! Life is truly a journey and I believe we never stop growing, learning and developing into our purpose!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Sometimes it’s just fun to play with the digital world of photography. This photo I took yesterday while leaving my daughters home after a fun-filled week. She lives on the edge of the city among several wheat fields. The ravens were having a gathering of sorts in this field along the roadside as I turned to head out. After seeing it in pink it came to me…of course, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I’ve seen a constant splash of pink everywhere, so why not go pink in honor of those strong women either fighting or survivors of breast cancer. I’ve worked for several years with Casting for Recovery, a retreat for breast cancer survivors. It is an amazing weekend retreat that brings 14 women together. They not only bond together in respect to what they have all shared in their fight against breast cancer but also learn to fly fish. It’s truly an amazing experience for not only the participants but the volunteer staff…it’s so rewarding. Let’s ban together and fight to strike out breast cancer!