Sketchbook & Nephew Updates

After some deliberating, I have decided to focus on silly revenge sketches for my Sketchbook Project sketchbook. Here are the first few pages which I have been using to brainstorm/organize my thoughts:

I like the idea of inanimate objects taking revenge on one another. Makes me chuckle to think about all the years the pencils have been brewing w/ rage at the erasers for destroying their work. Hehe.

 

This painting is still in a very rough stage but it has progress since I last posted it, so thought I'd share. It will be good to be able to look through all of the progress shots once the painting has completed.

 ...And a little more fall/still life inspiration just for kicks, above. (That's a photo. I'm not an amazing realist painter but, would like to paint a still life w/ the above elements- probably w/ more of the mirror showing.)

The Times Are Changing

I stumbled upon some really cool photos this week, which can be found here:
http://blogs.denverpost.com/captured/2010/07/26/captured-america-in-color-from-1939-1943/

These pictures are captivating. They were taken when color photography was still quite rare.

The images really draw you into that place in time. Think about the things that have changed and the things that are still very much the same.

Photos can be great documentation -at times much better than the written word.

I'd like to paint something akin to these photos. -Something that is a documentation of the current times, which encapsulates current events, current dress & social situations. Here are a few ideas that I've come up with (all have to do w/ people in lines, haha):
1) for a concert at the Newport
2) at the unemployment office
3) for street food outside a bar at night
4) for doors opening at Walmart on Black Friday

Anyone have any other ideas/opinions/votes?

Painting 32

I think this is complete. Acrylic paints have become a tad frustrating lately...SO rubbery (maybe my paints are just old)! Considered momentarily switching back to oils but recalled the turpentine stench & the drying time.

I understand why some people prefer oils but in my positives/negatives list, acrylic wins. -Mainly because I like to work fast, I think.

Using orange as the base color for this painting worked out well. It gave the piece a different color tone than the usual.

The painting world has seemed both inspiring & intimidating to me this week. I have been doing a lot of internet cruising. Garnishing inspiration, tips & art world news has made me feel a little out of my element. BUT, I'm trying to keep two things in mind. One) Set unrealistic goals. That's the way to really accomplish something. Two) "If [painters] Vincent van Gogh and Edgar Degas had known when they were doing their work the level of recognition that they were going to have, they would not have done them the same. You have to enjoy doing the art and not think 'will I win?'" (I don't know who said this but I found the quote on this blog.) In other words, it is not about measures of success at all. Concentrating too much on selling or the approval of others will take away from what is being done.

Sneak Peek Paintings 32 & 33

Here is a sneak peek of the two paintings started this past weekend. Both are in need of a lot more work but seem to me to be good starts.

I was inspired by the beautiful fall weather as well as by a woman who is blogging (can't find the link to her blog on my google reader for the life of me right now but will share when I do find it) a daily portrait painting. She uses a different base color for every portrait. Don't know why I haven't tried this. In the past I have stuck w/ a dark, nearly-black base or blank white canvas A brick red base color is being used for the painting on the left & the painting on the right (which is slightly farther along) had a pumpkin orange base.

Update:
Found the link http://karinjurick.blogspot.com/

Guest Artist: Joshua Studebaker

Wow, it was an absolutely lovely weekend! I've started a few new paintings but am not ready to share them yet. SO...thought I'd share this painting of Josh's instead. He does not typically paint but sometimes will indulge me. 

He actually sold this painting at a shop in the Short North here in Columbus so it is no longer in our possession but luckily I snapped a pic before it left our hands. I like this not-so-typical take on a cityscape. Who woulda thunk cars on a highway could be so scenic?!

It's Not Always About Painting

Three pillows down, two to go. I was up until 2am last night sewing these pillow covers. Feel quite accomplished. Sigh...adore big, comforting, fluffy pillows! Initially what I was waiting on to cover the pillows was sourcing some new, hip fabric. BUT, after reflecting for a time (and watching a few episodes of Hoarders) I realized that, since I have a whole stash of awesome fabric, I should just use some of that. And so I did.

I must show a closer shot of that geometric-looking fabric because it is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Here:

What was the fabric pattern designer thinking?! Seriously: a yellow apple on a pink pyramid w/ an exotic flower floating above the horizon -all in a ziggy zaggy blue ocean! That, my friends, is inspiring. Even if it is probably only a result of an acid trip.

Work Space

I don't have a studio yet but I do have a 2nd bedroom in my newly acquired apartment which is becoming a painting & crafting studio/office.

 It is definitely a work in progress but coming along...I've found that the more I clear out the space/organize it, the more inclined I am to paint there. I know, I know. That is a GIANT stack of pillows. Project for the weekend: cover & distribute pillows about the apartment.

 A new painting was started in this room today. See below. My older sis & her son, my adorable nephew, are the models.

Turns out that I quite enjoy painting babies. Corny, maybe but I'm not out to impress. -Just out to enjoy what I do.

Starship Paint Mask

A guy at work created this paint mask for me. (Thanks Jake!) I am going to use it to screen print little starships onto several T's for my husband. 

I promised that I would do this for his birthday...which was August 13th. Hmm...running a bit behind.

This makes me wonder am I exhibiting a pattern of stalled project behavior from which I will never escape?! Sortof. Try to cheer self by thinking that nothing is completely stalled but merely slooowly moving. (Riiiiiight.)

Painting 31

ink, watercolor & colored pencil on cold press watercolor paper

This is another commissioned piece which (I think) is going to be a Christmas present for someone. Hopefully it correctly represents the place/does it some justice.

Finally!

I finally listed several of my paintings on Etsy. There will hopefully be many more listed before the end of Nov so you can all do your Christmas shopping. (o; Also, my shop has an alchemy request option- this is where you can send me a message requesting custom artwork & I can reply w/ questions, specifics & pricing.

Enough of the sales-pitch, though. Here is another little treat from my sketchbook archives:

This is watercolor, acrylic & colored pencil on coldpress watercolor paper. Mainly, though it is my little 'sis Stephanie, laughing.

Beach Painting

We're going to Florida for vacation in early November & I can't wait! While looking forward to the vacation this evening, I was inclined to look back -at another piece from an old sketchbook: 

 Close-up below (Not one for detail, am I? ...Ah well, maybe someday.)

This was painted during one of my past visits to Florida. Really want to do some more of these quick, gestural open air paintings while we're down there this year.

Why Does She Have a Halo?

Currently, I'm surrounded by a lot of my own art but I remember, from when I was in college & during my summer art jobs, what an inspiration it is to be surrounded by the art of others. Every artist has their own take/perspective & something to teach.

The painting above (hanging in my dining room) is one by a classmate from college, Andrew Luttrull. Near the end of our junior year, I traded him one of my paintings for this piece of his. I like the colors, the use of broad lines & the simplicity. Also, why does she have a halo? ...Makes me think a little which is one of the things that makes for a good piece of art.

Anyone else up for a trade?

Vase, Fired

Just got back from visiting the in-laws in KY this weekend where we had an excellent time. -Visited the annual art show held in the historic district, played games & just hung out. Also, was able to pick up the vase that I glazed while there back in August. Here is what it looks like now that it has been fired (for a before pic, visit this post):

I'll have to pick up some flowers at the grocery this week to test it out. (o:

Business Cards!

I ordered business cards several weeks ago & they arrived today! I want to be a better salesperson of my work & I think these should help a lot.

Below is the front art.

...And below is the info that is listed on the back.