Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Jessica

I just finished painting a 16x 20 portrait of my friend's (Alix) daughter, Jessica.
Jessie is such a loving and beautiful soul from the inside out.  
When I saw the photo Alix had taken of her I felt it deep within to paint her.
I wanted to capture her beauty and emit emotions as well.
Intimidating - HELL YES!!!
Yet I am learning to trust and follow the inner urgings.
So that is exactly what I did... I began.

Little did I know how cathartic it would actually end up being. 

I am so grateful, everyday, for the gift given to me to create art.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Temporary Art Studio on the Beach in Mexico

John and I just returned from  Mexico where we enjoyed the beach, sand, sunshine, and fantastic oceans sounds.  
The serenity was beyond words.
I made it my intention to draw on the beach everyday.  I believe I only missed one day and that was because we were in transition from one place to another.

I set up my temporary art studio on the beach.
Sitting on a lawn chair with a folded towel as my table top.  

 Here's are the drawings I did while I was there.  
My intention was to practice adding hands to my art to elevate the story within the art.    

     






Thursday, October 10, 2019

Don't Be Afraid of the Dark


"Don't Be Afraid of the Dark"

This mystifying piece is ready for someone to take home with them.
WEBSITE-MIXED MEDIA

I feel confident in saying...we've all had at least one of those times when we felt like the rug was pulled out from under us and were tossed into what seemed like an abyss. I know I have! My first and natural tendency was to be scared sh**less, creating in my mind all sorts of WHAT IF scenarios.

Now when I look back at those times, I am fully aware of how valuable they were in shaping me into the person I am today. I would not trade those experiences. I learned from those times. I'm still learning...

"Maybe you have to know the darkness before you can appreciate the light."   Madeleine L'Engle



Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Being An Artist




Being an artist artist can sometimes be a challenge.  Oh wait... I should clarify and say at least for me.

My intention is to be the best I can be. I know I have it in me yet I have times of doubt. In one way or another I work at it on a daily basis. 

I am filled with gratitude when I go within and ask for guidance and a message appears. That’s what happened when I started this piece. Here are the words that served as my inspiration, “Do not question things too much. You are on the right track. You are facing the right way. Stop overthinking it. It’s happening. And you are closer than you think.” Whew... uplifting words!


I’m happy to say she is off my easel and into a frame. I patiently wait for a title. When that happens she will be added to my website.

IF you are interested before she goes there send me a message.
12”x15” Acrylic /charcoal.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Framing Her Story


"Framing Her Story"

I've sat looking at this finished piece, into her eyes, waiting for her message to unveil itself. It became apparent she's in a contemplative state. Her head gently resting on her folded hand as she attempts to frame her story to fit into whatever she thinks the listener(s) wants/needs to hear. When the truth is... it's not necessary to be concerned about what others think as long as she remains true to herself. After all it's HER story.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Faces of Lola

Here are progression photos of a piece I started yesterday and finished today.
16x20 acrylic and pan pastels on gallery wrapped canvas.
I titled her, "Lola".

She started off as a sketch of a sweet and innocent young lady 
Then she quickly turned into a very scary looking person.
This is a common, known as the scary or ugly stage, to go thru.  It has been known to frighten someone from continuing.
I've been at this long enough to know to keep moving forward.

Added first layers highlights and shadows.

Refining the features.

Continue to refine the features and adding more color.

She went to the hair salon and had hair extensions added.

This is the final piece.
I wanted to knock off some the preciseness about the painting so I sanded the entire piece down.
I really like the affect.





Thursday, July 11, 2019

"Unconditionally"

I am releasing a  new 24" x 36" art, titled, "Unconditionally". 
 I poured my heart and my soul into this piece.  Here's a bit of truth... as I get ready to show you I am both excited and anxious.
Excited because I like how the piece turned out and I overcome obstacles as I created it.  Anxious... well that's just plain ole fear.  Who knows where the fear comes from.  I don't really care.  
What I know is when I step out of a place of comfort and into something new, fear is always there.  Wanting to keep me small. This isn't new to me or to any of us.  I (we) always have a choice for our thoughts.  I've experienced when I choose better thoughts I tend to make better choices.   I chose not to let the anxious/insecure feelings hinder me in any way.  I made a conscious decision to carry on. And you know what... I became more confident.

TRUTH:  The canvas size of 24x36 was a little daunting, tho.   I had said I wanted  to increase the size of my art yet I was planning on doing it in increments.  Then on June 24th  my husband brought home this canvas, saying he wanted me to make something different on it.
Surprise!!!!!         Hmmmm....  OK!
(my initial response) 
Right away I chose some of my favorite paint colors and put them on the canvas.  Not being concerned if the colors went together or where I was placing them, I just wanted to get rid of the intimidating BIG white blank canvas.  
And, you know what?  After I did that I felt ready to begin.

The whole point of me telling you this stuff  is to let you know that when I create art it runs much deeper than simply putting paint on a canvas.  

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Blessed and filled with gratitude.

I have been blessed this past week!
I am filled with gratitude!
 In my heart I want to explode and tell you guys in depth all the details of everything I am feeling and why yet when it comes to the written word I lack in confidence.  I don't seem to find the right words.  So when I made the first two sentences in larger print just know there is a lot of heartfelt-ness that goes along with it.

On Wednesday I posted about being offered a solo art show, which is super cool.  Here's the link.
I SOLD 2 pieces of art.

It feels so good when people connect with my art, after all, you are my motivation and driving force.
Then we my art is purchase it I overflow with gratitude!  Seriously... tears and all!!!
It took me a while but now I realize that selling my art is part of the equation to continue being an artist.

Here are the two pieces that have found a new home.
Rise Up Toward the Light 
STEADFAST (like a tree)

I finished two pieces of new art.
The first one has been added to my website.  The other one will be added when after it's titled.   I am waiting on it to be revealed to me.
"And So It Is"
16" x 20" x 3/4"
gallery wrapped canvas
$260.00 includes US shipping
IF interested, let me know
not titled yet
22" x 28" x 3/4"
gallery wrapped canvas
IF interested, let me know

I have a piece from 2018 that became one of the 9 finalist chosen for the Cloth, Paper, Scissors magazine.  I fused the canvas onto textured wood and added more interest.  She's done and will be heading to my website soon.


"Reminiscing"
12" x 12" x 1/2"
canvas on wood
$180,00 includes US shipping
IF interested, let me know
Thank You for your continued support and encouragement.

Wednesday, May 8, 2019

when a door opens

Photo by:  Jan Tinneberg (Unsplash)

Yesterday I was presented with the opportunity to do a solo art show at Gallery 338 and I said... YES!
This solo art show marks another first for me.  I am thrilled!

The show will be June 1- 29
at 
Gallery 338
338 S. Armore Ave.
Villa Park, IL

I will provide more details when I get them.
✔️  Right now... mark your calendar!!!  

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Sedona Trip

I just returned from a solo trip to Sedona, AZ. for 7 days. My intention for this trip was to be still, grounding, understanding, and releasing.  
I chose an Airbnb that was an Eco Retro Art Retreat. The hosts were fabulous! Adam is an abstract artist and author of several books. One of them I read while I was there. It was the perfect place for me to be. There was no TV and no WiFi.  
I rose very early each day excited to see what would unfold. I did many adventures in nature, hiking, and climbing as far as I could go. These stories were posted on FaceBook.  
If you want to see them --> CLICK HERE


Outside of my door was a veranda for my use only.  
It was lovely!  
Each night I would take my art supplies, consisting of pastel pencils, outside spending time drawing in my journal.
Here are the drawings that came from those times.

On my last night there Adam commissioned me to draw his sister.

It was one of the best gifts I could give myself.
I will, indeed, be doing it again!
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