Honorable Mention

Yesterday I picked up my art from the Aurora Public Arts Commission where I entered this piece for 

The Creative Muse exhibit. 

I was excited, like a little kid, when I saw the yellow ribbon for Honorable Mention by my art.

what I've been up to, lately

Let me share with you some things I have been working on in my studio.

I took a short break from other activities to do this real quick pastel practice in my art journal.

Chalk Pastels are one of my favorite mediums to work with.  It goes hand in hand with charcoal.

Both mediums are very forgiving.

Eagerly I did a charcoal drawing of Marita to be added to the Smile Project.

I'm on the look out for more smiles for this project.  My goal is 52 faces to finish this project.  Right now I have 26, the half way mark.

You can follow this link to learn more:   http://www.asmilemaker.com/p/smile-project.html

One of my intentions is to adapt to drawing/painting looser portraits.
I'm fully aware that in order to accomplish this I need to practice, practice, practice.  I can do that!
I did these 2 ladies as I babysat for my GRANDdaughter, while she napped.

Thank You for all of your support and encouragement.

I couldn't do this without YOU!

I have found another love

I have found a another love (artistically speaking that is) ... ENCAUSTIC MEDIUM.

I have played with it off and on in the past but I never was serious about it.

Not certain what prompted me to pull out my supplies out again but I am sure glad I did.

I am having a blast.

I am learning lots.  What I am learning I have been sharing with my friend, Christine.  Together we have been reveling over the outcomes.  Almost like little kids. (This kind of excitement is ten times more enjoyable when you share it with someone.  Which is why I love to teach!)

In May 2016 I had created this piece I titled, "Balance".  I liked it yet I felt it was missing something.  Last week while I was learning more about how to use encaustic medium I pulled this piece out.  I began adding layers of wax and fusing.  I noticed the piece was changing and appeared to be coming more alive.   I recalled the flower presses I had  stowed away in my basement from previous years when I pressed flowers as a hobby.  I brought them upstairs from storage.  I began adding leaves, flowers, and more wax to the piece.  

What a transformation!

                                                      Let me show you.    

           

By applying encaustic medium to this piece it has more interest, depth and richness. 

Encaustic is a keeper and will be a technique I will use more often in my art.

 I finished this piece yesterday.   It's of my oldest sister Judy when she was, I believe, in 3rd grade.  I used encaustic medium to layer the photo and flowers.

One of my desires is to develop creative ways for people to display photos.

To get them out of storage boxes and put them where they can be enjoyed.

To learn more about:

• Scheduling a time to create art with me
• Ordering a custom made piece of art

Contact me:  teresa@teresacashart.com

Thank You for all of your support and encouragement.

I couldn't do this without YOU!

just a little off kilter

It would be fairly accurate to say that lately I have been feeling a little off kilter. 
I believe several contributing factors may be from two on-line classes I am currently enrolled in:  
Jeanne Oliver's Reflections : Paint Your Story and Melody Ross's Soul Restoration

There's a lot of soul searching and cleansing going on.
I am currently creating a cast of characters who have played a role, good or bad, in my life.
The characters that were in the good category were easy. I shared some of the stories in previous posts.
Now I'm delving into those bad characters. Not too fun! These characters I will keep private

I'm sitting with these feelings knowing that (mentally) running away or trying to hide is not an option.
I'll wear my BIG girl panties and face them head on.
On the others side I will be blessed with a broader knowing and understanding of myself.

In the meantime...

Today, in my journal, I created this sweet little girl amongst some very happy daisies.
While I created this piece my heart was filled with peace and love.

(acrylic, charcoal, pan pastels)