Process

It's been five days and the leaf prints I have been working on produced some striking results!.  They are really time consuming and unpredictable in their outcome, however.  I will put up an album with final works in the near future but I am unable to replicate in photograph the metallic sheen and luminosity that bounces off some of these gorgeous prints.

While working on these, I definitely made some mechanical errors (like weighting down the prints far too long in too great of heat, producing some fusion of materials that made it impossible to use some of them).  Next time, I'll know to work with fewer sheets, remove the weights quicker, and allow each to dry individually under lighter weights.

Once the prints dried, I sorted them all and pulled out the "frame-worthy ones" which either were prefect as is or required some simple outline work with paints and fine markers to punch them up and make the subject pop.  Final step is selecting mats.  The picture above shows two mats I had on hand and was just tooling around with them to check how they'd work around some prints I had completed. I will need to purchase a mat cutter before too long. Any suggestions readers? 

Back to process:  those prints that aren't deemed "standalone frameworthy," I either incorporate into abstract work, as in the photo to the right, or will use in collage work.  Toward that end, I've been collecting and categorizing scraps, other materials, washi, and other papers. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, this weekend is it for collage work. Can't wait!

More leaf prints underway

Pulled out all stops to use up my entire fall leaf collection, and decided to bring in more colors this time.  I must have produced upwards of 30 leaf prints today.  In 100 degree heat on the patio.  All cleared out of leafs though, which, as Martha Stewart says, is "a good thing" (although in a totally different context, of course). 

I really enjoyed this project as it gave the opportunity to really experiment with color combinations.  And since I used some metallic paints, too, I think these combos will produce amazing results.  

The bummer is I have to wait for them all to dry.  It can take a week since we're in the middle of summer with its high humidity.  I trust, given what I could see beneath the blur of the protective lining, that it will be worth the wait.

But there was a ray of sunshine in the day too.

I stopped by Operation Stand Down Nashville to drop off that organization's proceeds raised during my art show last month.  Bill Burleigh, executive director, wasn't there, but I rounded up a staffer to capture the above pic.  It was exhilirating seeing my mixed media piece front and center in the lobby, right near the main entrance to the offices!  I think the painting fits just perfectly there and am so proud they do too! 

If you don't know about this organization, it offers a myriad of services year round to veterans, and over one weekend each October, runs a "stand down" event providing shelter, food, clothing, medical, legal, job and other services to homeless veterans in Middle Tennessee.  I happened upon the organization in 2005 when I was a reporter for the local newspaper.  I have continued to volunteer as my time has allowed, since that time.  Love the organization, management, and vets it serves! 

Challenging day

It was supposed to be my painting day, but personal problems crept in.  I would have dearly loved to work all this out with paintbrushes and paper or canvas, but it wasn't possible.  In the end, there may be a greater understanding between us, and some growth I hope.

The heatwave is still here and takes away the desire to paint out in the sunroom.  I have more leaves to "play with," along with some wonderful treebark I collected the other day at the river.  Barbara Rembert has promised to bring in a book by one of the leading collage artists in the world on Saturday for me to borrow.  I can't wait!

Mindful that we all have our own "higher being"

Yesterday morning, I attended a private counseling session to figure out the best path forward on various issues.  It was eye-opening but for the purpose of anonymity, I can't go into great details just yet.  I have to realize though, it's not up to me to fix all things.

In that session, even before exploring options and paths forward, the counselor noted that mistakes are and will be made.  "Recoverable" ones are those that a loved one can make that present a chance to move forward in the end.  "Non-recoverable" ones are those that can cause permanent harm - either physical, mental, or societal.   Time will tell where this leads and I have to summon the courage to allow it to play out, recognizing we all have our own higher beings.

Thankfully, I have painting class today and look forward to immersing myself in it.

My notecards are on sale at Hastings Bookstore

They have accepted a supply of my notecards, canvas totes and wine giftbags for sale on consignment at Hastings Bookstore on Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro.  The process was quite simple and I'm eager to expand into other retailers.  If you know of any boutique/book/card/giftstores that might be interested in my array of eclectic items, let me know!  There's a finder's fee involved!

Leaf prints: striking!

I couldn't wait.  I dismantled them before they were completely dry and perhaps they would have taken on even stronger delineations and colors.  No matter, they came out truly striking, especially the ones using metallics and black!  With a lil' help of photoshop to round out some rough edges to the paper, they are definitely frameworthy as standalone pieces or in mixed media works.  I have posted many of them in an album here, at my facebook page... Enjoy!  

A week into lifechanging decision

I don't want to curse things, but so far so good.  It was a matter of setting barriers and boundaries to protect myself and those I love.  I see tremendous progress, and am very encouraged that my decision was the right one.  Still, I hate to see my loved one struggling and suffering.

Finally using my 12 year old leaves from Connecticut!

I lived in Connecticut for much of the 1980s and one of my favorite things was the annual fall trek to the Heublein Tower with my husband, bff, and our children. Perched atop Talcott Mountain in Simsbury, it offers a fabulous view of the region.  In fall, of course, there is nothing more exquisite than New England foliage, making this trek a journey taken by thousands each year.  The last year we lived in Connecticut before moving south, I gathered a variety of leaves.  Small ones that I put into a rubbermaid airproof container and forgot about.  Until converting my studio last summer when I stowed them on a shelf with other "diamonds" offered up by Gaia, a.k.a. Mother Nature. 

David, my British hubby, has always thought my packrat ways not only incompatible with his tidy, neat, minimalist lifestyle, but also a waste of time and effort.  But, loving me as he damn well better, he has always tolerated this, as long as I could find a place for things.  He began to grumble last year when I claimed and took ownership of the patio room for my studio AND claimed half of the garage AND STILL HAD the upstairs bonus room for my international consulting business.  He tolerates it all as long as things are in their place.

I've got good news for him:  At Barbara Rembert's water media class the other day, I was introduced to leaf printing.  The idea is to take old leaves, place them on paper, douse with watered down paint, cover with crumpled wax paper, press them so the veins and outlines of the leaves make a fossilized imprint on the paper when they have dried.  Not only do you get the leave's imprint, but a glorious background too, if you use good vibrant colors.

I experimented with this method on Saturday and yesterday morning got busy with the Connecticut leaf collection and a myriad of other leaves I collected last fall too. Stepping beyond Ms. Rembert's primary colors, I dug up some metallics to try it with too, and even black and white.  What I've produced are some wonderful pieces I plan to use for the collage work, as small standalone images, and who knows what else.  I can't wait!

One thing the Summer heat is good for is drying things quickly so these works were dry by this morning.  Which reminds me, I gotta go water the garden.

Eyes: Not so wonky anymore!

After visiting a specialist in Nashville who treats the bizzarre disorder I'd been diagnosed with, I started doing the eye exercises for real - simply following a pencil or finger with the one "wonky" eye while blocking the other eye.  It seems to have done the trick.  I'm comforted to know I probably don't have some serious illness that's caused it but have to get a physical all the same.

The eyes are better but the mid-south has been sweltering under above normal temps for 33 days now and today, the first full day of summer, was the hottest day yet.  Not to whine but ... how can one "enjoy" summer when all outside activities have to be done under cover of darkness or early dawn.  The poor dogs are miserable since they're not supposed to be out in temps above 85 for any length of time.  

Itching to do a collage or two!

This weekend's American Artisan Festival in Nashville motivated me to tackle a collage or two.  I saw a few truly wonderful works there, including those I've posted images of, above, and the works of Charla Steele.  They all burst forth and inspire me with their great color, texture, style, words, etc. and today went to the local goodwill where I scored some great materials to work with.  Now it's just a matter of finding the right supports and getting to it.

The Goodwill materials include several very old books, some with terrific illustrations, some with great photos and cutlines, some with fantastic chapter and section headers.  I've got three of four themes I plan to work on to build these collages around.  I've scoured the internet for some instructive sites but haven't found too many that add anything to what I've read in books already. 

I can't wait to get started!  Now if only this damn heat wave would exit so I could work out in the garage.  The studio is cooler since we pulled the lined curtains closed in most of it.  There's still plenty of light to work but it's laid out more for painting whereas the garage has a wonderful countertop work surface which will be perfect for some of the collage work.  

Overworking Watercolors

I could not figure out why my watercolors had these ugly dark "nits" on them, like a sweater gets.  I use high quality Fabriano 140 lb paper and could not understand until this morning - painting before it gets too hot in my studio.  I had sketched out a couple of elaborate landscapes on my paper and was trying to use transparent glazes to give them an ethereal look.  Here's one of many explanations of why glazes are used and how to go about it. 

Off the subject of glazing, I worked on the below painting the other day in class and my instructor helped with the background.  It's darker than I'd intended and I will probably do this painting again in the future since I see a few changes I'd like to make, but as a practice painting, her tutelage on the background was helpful and I love the delicate simplicity of the flower. Behold, my first Magnolia Blossom:

What to paint?

I'm returning to watercolors right now, feeling the less restrictive medium will be a comforting change for the time being.  I am drawn to seascapes and looking forward to using my new Sterling Edwards palette.  I've watched a few short videos Mr. Edwards delivered on the jerrysartarama site and like his style very much.  I don't expect to be doing work of Sterling's caliber anytime soon, but he flows, makes it look easy, and has a very professional style.

Path to recovery?

I met and spoke with one of my fellow painters today who offered me support and strength and shared her experience which is similar and perhaps even more courageous than what I've had to do.  The outcome was a very good one in her case and I really hope it is in ours as well.  Time will tell.

Without going into too much detail, I will say I attended my first support group meeting tonight.  Alone.  But through that door, the healing energy was palpable.  I felt immediate relief and in sharing readings from the materials they use, I recognized a home for my pain and troubles.  And yes, I did share my story briefly.  With tears.  At the end of the meeting, I received hugs, a few telephone numbers, more information and a determination to see this through, comforted in the knowledge that not only do I have a higher being, but so does my loved one in trouble.

No more denial

I had to do something today that I never thought I could.

It has nothing to do with painting, but definitely one of the reasons I sought escape into the world of alizarin crimson and yellow ochre in the first place. Without going into detail, suffice it to say, I pulled my head out of the sand, accepted a reality, and choose a course that I hope and pray is for the best for us all. The decision was not prompted by an angry, violent outburst but a cool acceptance of reality and facts.  And I feel a serenity about what I've done, despite what my loved one has warned and threatened.

I am aware of the great risks involved, that it could bring about a consequence far from what I am hoping for, but it is out of my hands and control.  I accept that whatever the outcome is, it is because of the choice of that individual and not my responsibility.  And I pray to my higher power to help us all in this.  If anyone's reading this, please keep us in your prayers and send good healing thoughts our way.

Another artist's show at the same venue

I was very lucky to have met the lovely former-food-columnist-turned-painter Thayer Wine at my reception.  We spoke briefly there and when I learned her art would be hanging after mine, I was dying to check it out.  Her reception was the day after she hung her work and how fortunate I was that she was fine with me coming and yes, I could bring other fellow artists.

Of course, I thought of Miss Hazel and arranged to pick her up and bring her.  And Lynne P. and Lucilla, our dry-witted beloved Italian artist friend came too.  We four soaked up Thayer's lovely watercolor paintings and Lynne explained to me how the one that looked like a stained-glass effect was actually painted on rice paper that'd been crumpled up.  It was an afternoon of great company, and of course, great food too.

PS:  I cheated!  The above pic was taken of Lynne P., Me and Lucilla the evening of MY opening.  We didn't get one at Thayer's. 

The Show is Over

The paintings came down much quicker than they took to hang, and David and I were done in like 20 minutes.  All told, I sold the biggest single painting - the Dandelion - and ten other smaller paintings.  I received three commissions from the show and sold a number of the small gift style items - notecard sets, wine gift bags, and tote bags - so it was a very good and profitable "business result" and encouraged me to press forward with my art.

Ultimately, what this, the first show did, was it gave me confidence.  I realized I can paint, and paint things people like and would like to collect.  I realized I have a "knack" for the business/marketing/promotion side of things too, and going balls out to ensure a good sized crowd came was truly worth it.  I can honestly say this endeavor was a success.  

I also realized I love painting enough that I could do it for a living.  It's more than just a hobby or one of my many tangents that cause my husband to roll his eyes but support me nonetheless.  When all is said and done, I worked on this show full time -- and then some -- for more than a month to prepare for it and promote it and create for it.  And I did not find it a job at all.  In the end, I relished the opportunity and am so very grateful that it came my way!  

Now, onto whatever lies ahead! 

Lunch with my mentor, Hazel

Since Hazel King, 90, my mentor and teacher, was unable to come to my reception, I decided to treat her to lunch at the restaurant that is showing my work, The Mad Platter in Nashville.  She was tickeled pink to join me, and I suspect doesn't get out often other than to teach and to dance (still!)

I was actually nervous (something that I rarely get) when we entered, wondering if she'd like my work or find fault with every piece.  Thankfully, she was gracious, enthusiastic, and even if she wasn't crazy about my paintings, she kept it to herself.  It was a very late lunch and I followed her through the (mercifully near empty) restaurant as she inspected each painting, large and small.  She'd squeal "ooh!  This is good!" at one, and then, "you are very brave" at another.  After reviewing most all of them, we took our seats and dined on a great lunch that the owner generously and unexpected provided gratis.

Miss Hazel was a hoot!  I've got to say!  She was so cute and complimentary with the waitress, folks at the next table, and of course, me.  She kept saying "You are very brave to have tackeled all this!" and "I can't believe you painted all this!"  A few of the things she said rang like music in my ears too:  "You will go far with this," and "You really have what it takes," and "You paint like noone else -- and that's a GOOD thing." 

I don't know how much of what she said was sincere and how much was flattery and appreciation for breaking her free from the confines of her daily routine for the day.  No matter.  To me, it was a day to remember and relish.  Long after she is gone (which, God willing, won't be anytime soon), I'll remember this special day and all of the pearls of wisdom she imparted to me today and along this journey. 

Getting back to normal, finally.

Who would've thought it could take so very much out of a person to have a reception that someone else is hosting on your behalf?  I must have been running on pure adrenaline before the show because, believe me when I tell you, I crashed big time once it was over.  I was utterly exhausted and it wasn't like I was up til all hours of the night beforehand.  It was an emotional thing, I'm sure.

It's a week and a couple of days later and I have finally gotten things in order around the house (no more Moesse cards, invites, or merch floating around on the dining room table), and the studio.  The gardens are starting to show they've been weeded and I even was able to squeeze away to get to painting today!  It was the first time I got to see beloved teacher Hazel since missing her at the show (she could not get a ride and there was a sad mixup!)

I brought her two of my bags and a set of note cards and asked her if she'd like to go to the restaurant with me for lunch or at least to view the stuff.  She's up for it and we've got a plan.  It was great returning to painting class and I worked on watercolors today, painting at a shared space with Lynne P. and Lucilla.  There is something about painting with folks you respect that elevates you.  I really felt lifted and creative and enjoyed the free flowing feel of working with watercolors today after so much restraint lately. 

I've still got some catching up to do, like mailing out cards to those who joined my mailing list.  Next Saturday, the paintings come down and some of the big ones unfortunately did not sell, so I have to make some room.  I view it as kind of a mixed blessing: There is some interest by a few parties in some of them and I'm sure we'll figure out what's what by next Saturday when the works come down.  But even in the worst case scenario that noone buys any of the large ones, I at least get to surround the house with some lovely stuff for a while longer!