Focusing

This was a very busy and rewarding week - almost two weeks actually.

I've decided that a blog post each and every week is too much so I have geared down to twice a month. This way it gives me more time to finish things and possibly have something to say!

One of the 6 white canvases has turned into a vase of flowers.  It started out as an abstract but morphed along the way.  I'm thinking the deep freeze we have been in here this winter must have something to do with it.  Two more 8" x 8" canvases have been started - it would be nice to have three similar ones to be a little series but I won't know until I get going which direction they will take.  I am hoping for more vases with flowers!

This week also been a crocheting and knitting time. It all started with a friend wanting me to teach her how to crochet an infinity scarf.  I now have completed two of these scarves in different patterns and colours.  Turquoise for one; chartreuse for the other!  Next on the go is a knitted dish cloth - why I'm doing this is a mystery - the yarn just called out to me in the store!

I also read Neil Young's autobiography "Waging Heavy Peace" - an exceptionally good read!

So the next two weeks I will be on a mission to focus on more vase with flowers paintings with the goal of keeping my head in 'series' mode and not flying off in all kinds of other directions!

Happy Days

My goal has been reached this week!  Two new pieces have been finished which makes me very happy!

It feels very uplifting to have peaceful, creative time and get rid of that 'artist's block' anxiety that was wearing me down. Being able to create something from that relaxed, happy place of being in your own head and letting whatever is in there  come forth onto the canvas in it's own way is such a fun experience.

Starting another one right now!

Artist's Block!

So my goal of doing something artsy every week has kind of hit a snag - Artist Block!!!!
I have succeeded in working and re-working 2 small collages to the point that they are now in my trash bin.
The other 6 canvases shown above have been worked on and gessoed over quite a few times!
Now I have them all lined up staring at me with their blank white faces - not a happy sight!

This week has seen way too many interruptions - one of the major downfalls of having a home studio with a retired husband and a very senior dog.

I won't have time now to try anything artsy for a few more days.  This is making me very anxious and antsy as I want to DO something!!!

I know I can find my 'happy place' and concentrate on creating something just for my own peace of mind - one of these days!

I think some time on my treadmill will be useful right about now!

My consolation is that I know all creative people hit these roadblocks from time time and it will pass.  I just need this to pass quickly!!!

A New Year

Happy New Year!

This little painting is called "It's a Party" and I am featuring it here because it makes me happy!

It's so cold my mind has gone silly - -35 C with the wind chill today and for a few more!  Time to hit the Studio!!

Today is "tidy up day" - a little ritual I seem to need to do before doing something creative.

I have gessoed over two 12" x 12" canvases that I didn't like and am ready!

I thought today was Start Day but it seems the tidying up extended to replying to e-mails and making to-do lists.  So now it is tomorrow!!

No problem - No guilt - No expectations.  I have a play date with myself for tomorrow!!

I am going to make a new post every Thursday this year and report on my artsy goings-on for the week.

Even if I am the only one following my blog it will be good to document so I can see something happening!

That is my goal for 2014 - Make Something Artsy Happen Every Week!!!

New Printmaking

Printmaking has been calling to me again lately and these two 'Flower Pot' hand coloured relief prints mounted on cradled wood panels gallery depth are two from a series of 6 that I made for a spring garden tour show called "Plantastic".  I am very pleased to say that 4 went to a new home that day!

I am now working on 3 more plates in a "Flower Pots" series featuring pots from my gardens.  These are small gems at 6" x 6" and the new additions to this series will be 8" x 8".

It is fun to do some printmaking again after painting and collaging this past winter.  I like to mix it up - it keeps me on my toes!!

Working Instinctively

I'm very happy that this painting is finally finished!  Another Christmas present (2012)!!

This one started out in January as an acrylic painting which was interrupted by a vacation.  Upon returning from a relaxing time in the sun, out came the Gesso to restart because my original thoughts had long disappeared.  After some time struggling, out came the Gesso again!

Collage was calling to me and away I went with a third try.  It took some time to evolve but I am pleased with the results.  Again, there was the issue of knowing the colour of the wall it would hang on and the general colour scheme (neutral). Not being one for shy or neutral colours, I did find it difficult to compromise.  In the end I just went with my instincts! It seems to be the way I work best.

Hopefully, the new owners will be happy!

Letting Go

Finally Finished!  This painting  took many twists and turns and this is the end result.  Hard to believe it is the same one pictured in my last post!

 As a collage,  it just wasn't working for me so two days before Christmas, my Christmas present painting got a few coats of Gesso and subsequently transformed into this one!  It was finished last week and is going to it's new home in a few days.

I learned quite a lot with this painting.  I realize that I was planning and thinking about the colours of the walls and furniture in the room it was going to reside in way too much.  I found myself tightening up and worrying which is not conducive to creating an abstract painting.  As soon as I was able to let myself go and have my eyes tell the brush what to do without my brain getting in the way too much, I started to have fun and in a few days the painting told me it was finished.

I have another Christmas present painting, a 30" x 30" canvas ready to start, paint tubes and brushes ready, painting apron on!  Let's see where this one takes me!!