Do You Remember?

I was recently struggling on how to paint this rose, do you remember?  Well, I decided to take this photo on a cloudy day so I had less shadows:

This helped me to see the STAR of the show – the rose and not the leaves, as Debi Riley so kindly suggested to me.  Thanks Debi!  🙂

I also appreciated the idea from Judith at Artistcoveries to do a value study first.  So I did this with my computer by printing my image in color and then in black and white:

Drawing the rose shape with a black pen on top of the black and white image also helped me see my subject better.

Next, I decided to use a stencil of my rose to create these studies in my turquoise journal that I previously shared with you:

The rose image on the left is from a stencil like I did here and the image on the right is a gelli-print like I did here.

Today, I started a watercolor painting on Aquabord inspired by Laura at Create Art Everyday who has been experimenting on this surface:

It is only the beginning of my painting but I wanted to share it with you.  I hope to experiment with adding collage too!

I just wanted you to know that I remember ALL your kind comments and encouragement in my art journey!!  🙂

I don’t always have the time to comment on your art like I wish I could but please know I appreciate YOU!

Thanks Friends!!  🙂

Make A Wish

Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better. – Albert Einstein

I thought you might enjoy these photos I took at the lake last weekend.  Nature has a way of dazzling me with its simple beauty.

The wild Columbine was in bloom:

I didn’t notice the bee until later…

I even found this dandelion beautiful:

So I created this page in my turquoise journal that I showed you yesterday:

May you pause today and find beauty in nature’s simple pleasures!

Wishing you a sunny Sunday, friends!  🙂

 

Connecting the Dots

On my trip to Oaxaca, Mexico in March, I was inspired by color and patterns.  Here is a photo of black pottery on a turquoise background:

I also met many talented ladies in our group and hope I can continue our friendships.

One such friend was Dot.  I was amazed by her beautiful handmade art journal that she  brought with her and she was really good about creating art in it each day of our trip!  🙂

So I asked if she would make me one!  And she said, “Yes!”  I was very excited when this beautiful journal arrived in my mailbox in April:

In exchange for this art journal, I made her this bracelet and earrings – we both love the color orange!  I had to add a few Oaxaca colors to the mix too:

Many of you may not know that I used to make and sell my handmade jewelry.  But I kind of got burnt out on it.  I found it frustrating that people didn’t want to pay for all the time and cost I put into a piece.  I realize now that I was probably in the wrong market.  Anyway, I still have LOTS of beads!  So I enjoyed creating this set for my new friend, Dot.

I loved my new journal but I needed an idea to get me started.  So when Sharon Mann mentioned on her blog that she was starting a new journal with her daughter and niece using the color turquoise on each page, I asked if I could join in the fun!  (Be sure to check out Sharon’s blog if you haven’t already!!  She is one very talented lady and a wonderful friend!)  I was happy that Sharon agreed that I could join her.  🙂

Here is the first page of my new journal:

Now I’m very excited to fill my pages with art!  Sometimes all it takes is one idea to connect the dots and get me started, how about you?

Happy Creating!  🙂