Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Flamingo painting....background work

Made it back to my easel....and I have been working on creating the background for my little flamingo painting.  I do like to at least get a solid background foundation before I start on the focal point.  In this particular painting, I am trying my hand at a little abstraction and I may eventually add a little mix media....will shall see.....
I started by transferring the outline of my drawing....I like knowing exactly where my focal point is when I'm working.  I also prefer to start work on a white surface.  Here I have laid in the first washes of color using Burnt Umber and Ultramarine Blue.  Loose strokes and then a bit of saran wrap, crinkled and applied to the surface.....
The saran wrap lifts the wet paint from the surface....leaving those nice little pockets of texture and sparkle behind.
Here I have added another wash...same colors...and a little more saran wrap texture.
Several more layers of washes and then I applied some clear glaze to protect the layers done.  Next I played with some drips and runs of white and even threw in some speckles.  I'm happy at this point.  Next I'll start work on the flamingo.....

I'm just loving this painting so far....I'm working on an 8x8 gessoboard with a 3/4 inch cradle.  Any questions or comments are welcome!


Friday, January 27, 2012

To Dream....to lift my wings and fly...

I took a walk yesterday and found another beautiful pink bird.  I was trying my best to be unobtrusive, but get as close as he/she would allow with my camera.
I love this shot.....the contrast of the mossy green water with the pink of the bird.  This Roseate Spoonbill is quietly going about its day and then suddenly, without warning.....
Lift off.....

So...what has this to do with dreaming.....
I'm taking this class, doing a lot of soul searching and dreaming.  I have been quietly thinking, wondering, exploring.  Digging deep.....listening to my heart's whispers...and then suddenly, without warning....
I....me....myself...am spreading my wings and taking flight
soaring high..where will I land....I don't know...yet
right now I'm just enjoying the freedom...to be who I was meant to be.....

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Beauty, Grace, Elegance

I have always loved flamingos.....not just for their color.  Their long graceful necks....the soft, cotton candy look of their feathers.  Even the curve of their beak. 
Here is the sketch of a young flamingo.....he or she will soon be on my easel.

Most of us know that flamingos aren't naturally pink in color, that comes from the food they eat.  But did you know that doesn't start to happen until a flamingo is between one and three years of age.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Passion meets passion

“making a difference” I think that pretty much sums it all up for me. I want to make a difference in an animal’s life. Helping that animal find a forever home or making a donation that allows an animal to continue to be cared for…It fulfills me, brings me great joy! So I’m passionate about animals and I’m passionate about painting…it only makes since to bring the two together and let one fuel the other. I found a quote today that I”m going to keep close to my heart and soul….”let the beauty of what you love be what you do” (Rumi)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The WHY

I'm on a journey of self discovery....taking a hard look at Who I am and What and Why I do what I do.  It is day 2 of the class taught by Kelly Rae Roberts and Beth Nicholis, "Hello Soul, Hello Business".  The question....what I'm trying to define for myself and my business is, "Why?"  Simply put....I love to paint.  I'm completely and utterly in love with what happens at the end of my paint brush.  The color, the texture, the movement.....all pouring out.....a beautiful, precious gift.  But, Why do I have this gift?  What can I do with it?

“To find your mission in life is to discover the intersection between your heart’s deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger.” -Frederick Buechner

How true is that!  My heart's deep gladness....painting and a love of animals.  The world.....has many deep hungers.  But one in particular stands out to me....the animals.

"What is man without the beasts?  If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit.  for whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man.  All things are connected."  Chief Seattle

All things are connected....and I do believe we are each put on this earth for a purpose.  We are each given a "gift" to nurture, to explore, and to share.   My gift and my Why must work together......

"It is my most sincere wish that through my paintings you can see what I see....the beauty, grace, and intelligence all animals possess. Every animal is unique and special and I try to honor that through my paintings. We must learn to respect the animals of this earth and protect and treasure them."  Debbie Goode

I think I had forgotten that for a time.....I became so wrapped up in the "business of Art" that my passion, my joy, my mission....was lost to me.  There is more....so much more...and I think I'm teetering on the brink of something truly amazing!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Self Discovery and Creative Bliss

"To be an artist it is not necessary to make a living from our creations.  Nor is it necessary to have work hanging in fine museums or the praise of critics....To be an artist it is necessary to live with our eyes wide open, to breathe in the colors of mountain and sky, to know the sound of leaves rustling, the smell of snow, the texture of bark....To be an artist is to notice every beautiful and tragic thing, to cry freely, to collect experience and shape it into forms that others can share"  Jan Phillips


I found this quote in a new book I'm reading and loving...."The Creative Photographer" by Catherine Anderson.  It is truly life changing and I intend to embrace it with all my being.  I'm giving myself permission to explore, to taste, to experience, to listen....eyes wide open....

I have a project brewing in my head.....it is still developing, still unfolding....but definitely on it's way....
This photo I took at the Tampa Zoo is my inspiration......



Monday, January 9, 2012

Pabric?

No, I didn't misspell my title to this post.  In my quest to "explore and discover",  I have been doing a little research in cyber space.  I have know about ink jet printing on fabric, but was really never satisfied with the results or the longevity of the print.  "Pabric" claims to have solved both of these problems.  I placed my order today through Amazon.  I will share my results and insights here on my blog.  If the product preforms as advertised, it will open a new door for me.  One where I can combine my paintings with my love of sewing.  Pabric also offers a fabric cardstock....supposed to be outstanding for greeting cards and mix media applications.  Yes, I ordered a pack of that as well.  If any of you have used these products in the past, I would love to hear your insights!

Another first for me in this New Year, I sent out my first newsletter!  I plan on sending out my newsletter 4 times a year.  If you are interesting in joining my mailing list you can access it here.

I think I'm off to a pretty good start and I plan on starting a new painting very soon.....flamingos!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Explore, Dream, Discover

  “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

I know a lot of folks are choosing "a word" for the New Year.  I ran across this quote the other day and decided that pretty much "said it all" for me.  

EXPLORE.  DREAM.  DISCOVER.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

A Simple Gift

Just a few days ago I received a very special....yet simple gift.  It came address to the "Lovely Debbie Goode".  Amazing how something as simple and sweet as that can uplift the spirit.  I smiled, I felt so very special.  The gift was wrapped in pink with a silver bow.  I wish I would have had my camera for the "before", but I was too excited to see what was inside.....
There it is....a journal by the lovely Kelly Rae.
I will soon be taking a class called  Hello Soul, Hello Business.  This New Year is about change for me....a new direction....a new sense of self.  My life is good...I'm happy and yet I just can't seem to find my Artistic path.  That has left my spirit, my soul somewhat unsettled and restless.  I have tried many paths, some more successful than others, but all have let me wanting more....needing more.  "Hello Soul, Hello Business" came into my life at a most opportune moment.....I don't believe in coincidences....everything in my being said "Just Do It" and this time I listened!  The class begins on Jan 16th and I will be sharing my adventures here with you.  I hope you will follow along adding your comments and impressions to mine...."Let the Journey Begin"....