Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Like tree-branches, birds and birdhouses? Why yes I do!

The muse has been smiling on me this week. What started as an experiment for my sister has exploded into a mini-series of related canvi. I have to give credit for the thought to my mom, who has been encouraging my art and my sister's quilting. I took a piece of fabric designed by Tina Givens and ran with the inspiration to create related art. I'll run these by my sister and see how she feels about them as complementary pieces for a room with a quilt by her.
Tina Givens Fabric that was the inspiration for the series


The scanner didn't really capture the brilliance of the canvas, or how very nearly the colors are matched (probably the texture has something to do with it too). But anyway, below you can see one of the pieces that were based on the fabric above.



"Crooked Birdhouse"

I love the curved birdhouse, with its little peg and 3-dimensional roof. I'm not sure why the color came out so fuzzy. Might have to try reloading another picture. This next image I really love because the birds look so friendly. The branches work well too, framing the subject with grace and just a touch of whimsy.


"Friendly Songbirds"

One of my online art friends suggested that I try different types of birds and different backgrounds, so I did, and the next canvas was the result. Unfortunately, I had the wrong setting chosen while streaming this, and that stream has gone down in history as the crazy twilight-zone stream, in which my friend Jean came to my rescue on Skype. The stream lagged a good half hour behind the chat, so no one could see what I was doing until much later! It was created using cream and blue acrylic, paper moth images (I just couldn't bring myself to call it Ranza's title), and walnut ink (for the cursive in the background and other spots).


"Butterflies through Alice's Looking Glass"

Thanks again, Jean, for all your wonderful help and conversation. I really owe you one ;) Finally this last piece was my take on a mountain bluebird, Idaho's state bird. I really hope I have captured the spirit of this beautiful creature! I was inspired to continue with the same branches theme, with the only difference being the bird is handpainted with acrylics. Thank you for stopping by my blog! Have a lovely day!


"Mountain Bluebird"

Wednesday, January 11, 2012


It's not often that it takes me two days to make a canvas. I am so excited I took the time on this one, though. I'm happy to say that Kim won it on my stream the other day, so she will be receiving this as soon as I make my way to the post office. The colors are inspired by Deb's postcard that I did the other day, which were greens and browns. However, when I got around to the hearts, I really though they needed some red, and then it struck me that a splash of white would be nice. I love the dark green--it seems to just jump right off the canvas!

"Debonnaire"

Monday, January 9, 2012



This is my friend Vicki's postcard, which I did today on my stream with some wonderful coaching from ArteDar. Thank you so much, Dar! I don't think I could have managed without your help! Vicki actually took the time to meet me down in New Orleans while we were there in December, and it was fabulous to actually get to meet her in person!!! I was so thrilled to be able to make her postcard today.


Today on my stream I did a wonderful study in texture, which my nephew Shane says looks like a storm, so I think that name will stick. I also did a drawing for this lovely green 4x4 canvas, which was inspired by Deb's postcard the other evening!

"Storm"
I think it really needs something in the center of the canvas, and I think it will be reworked a bit before it gets sent to the lucky Kim (Bups bups bups)! This canvie couldn't go to a better gal. :)
(a work in progress)

Have a great day!
xoxo
Jo

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Good Enough


"Good Enough"

Now and then I really struggle with feelings of ineptitude. I think all of us go through this same quagmire of doubt at some point in our art lives and I find myself encouraged by the words of an artist I highly admire, whose timely advice is: "listen to your heart for validation." (Thanks, Dar!) This piece serves to remind us that we are indeed good enough, and to keep on creating. Create for yourself, from the deepest part of yourself, and the rest will fall into place.




"Roots"






"Stars"

I've been working on a trio of canvases inspired by recent wonderful events in my life. After nearly a decade of hard work, I have landed my dream job! Now my husband and I are feverishly working toward a new life in the mountains. We're getting our house ready to rent out, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, and simply put, we're dreaming big! I hope these canvases capture my pure excitement. :) I am cherishing these days and realize they will pass all too quickly. This last canvas is called "Garden of Dreams."




Catching up and starting afresh!

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet." --Shakespeare.


This is the first of many new pieces I have been working on recently. You might recognize this little 4x4 from one of my recent streams. If you haven't been by my streams, I would like to personally invite you to check out my mixed media arting adventure, live on Monday evenings, 5:00 pm Mountain time! (give or take a half hour.) Here is the link to my channel: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/jo946 Feel free to login (you must register first) and chat!
"Brilliance," a 6x6, is one of my absolute favorites. This piece was done with acrylic, music, dictionary text, a white paint pen, and red/sparkly embossing powders. VERY sweet, and simple brilliance. I love the transparency of the flower and the texture of the embossing powder!
At the beginning of December, my husband and I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans, LA, for the American Society for Health-Systems Pharmacists midyear clinical meeting. It was a fabulous time, full of great food, awesome music, and tons of fleur de lis! I was inspired to do some art integrating my impressions of the city and this lovely, warm and vibrant canvas was the result.