Happy New Year!

A day in the art studio as I wait for the start of my new series of classes called Life Book 2012, creating Kaila in the style of Oaxacan animals of Mexico.  I do love their bright colors and elaborate decorative style.  My students created these in polymer clay last year, and they really turned out awesome, so I was eager to try this in paint.  

Kaila and I wish each of you a wonderful new year!

Jar of Hearts Mixed Media

She has been done for a while, but just found the time to upload her.

Wild Hair

Inspired after watching Dr. Seuss's "Horton Hears a Who", I created this painting with the wild hairstyles in the movie.

Altered Book Round Robin Travelers H'Art

Looking through some old photos, I found these from an Altered Book Round Robin in 2009. Each book had a personal theme and arrived monthly to add your own art.

I particularly liked the 1960's woman with glasses and crazy hair.  I remember having a bunch of the plastic that you melt and looking for something to do with them.

JUMP

"Jump and the Net Will Appear" Don't we all wish we would/could do this?  Fear holds us back from many things.  I see my youngest students create art without any limitations.  I read their artist statements with a smile on my face as they positively comment on their work.  Sometimes just letting go brings us to a hold new world.

Whimsy art brings me to a joy-filled place.  JUMP is the art I created from participating in Tamara Laporte's online Whimsy course.

Christmas Gift

My dear friend Carol loves to cook and is an awesome chef! For her Christmas gift, I created an apron using Donna Downey's Canvas Apron, foam stamps, iron ons, and trims.  It was great fun to create and my friend truly enjoyed it!

21 Secrets: Abstract Adventure: Get it Out, Get it Down

This is another workshop from 21 Secrets, and all I can say this Ning group of workshops will give you the most bang for your buck for online instruction! $59 for 21 

workshops, I didn't even hesitate when I saw the price! 

Starting with the blank page in my mock up art easel.

Preparing to add texture.

Adding the text of my writing.

There is something about journaling that makes me uncomfortable.  I don't like to go back and read my angst filled writing.  Images are much more powerful for me.  I KNOW what they mean, but no one else does.  So, I continue to try and PUSH myself into uncomfortable areas in hopes of a new discovery.  

La Nouba Cirque Du Soleil Collage

La Nouba Collage

La Nouba Double Page Spread

Inspired by Donna Downey's Collage Monday, I spent the afternoon creating this journal page from our first Cirque show experience last week.

Extra Paint Backgrounds

After completing two paintings from the Abstract Adventure class at 21 Secrets, I used up the leftover paint to create some journal backgrounds.

21 Secrets: Collage Paint, and Soul

This awesome workshop comes from Tamara Laporte of Willowing, she is such a warm, endearing soul, that you immediately want to be a part of her aura.  Tamara makes it so easy and inspirational that you want to create art immediately after watching her videos! This workshop is also from 21 Secrets, so check it out!

Love Unfinished

Monday Art

I spent the holiday in my favorite place, my studio, creating new curtains. 

My "assistant"
Zoe (who desperately needs a haircut)

Guess she got tired of sleeping with my beads and baubles!

Sewn Shut

Your Box

Sometimes...

Flowers in Pastels

Pastel flower Georgia O' style

Art Journal Backgrounds

Fabric Art Class Project Complete

Quilted Bag Made for Shopping 

Sized to hold wallet, cell, and sunglasses with convertible handles

Warhol and Lichtenstein

Curiouser and Curiouser...After downloading pics I took from my trip to MOMA in NYC, I saw that Warhol's famous "Soup Can" print is reflected in this Lichtenstein print. 

Hot Pink, More Art Journal Play

This art journal page received its roots from the online classes I took from Suzi Blu, Suzi is a down-home Jersey girl, that makes you smile every time you see her.  She is so real, that it makes you not only WANT to take a class from her, but also want to be her friend! Take a class from her, you will not only learn a LOT, you will also feel connected to her (which is a difficult thing to achieve online).  She is on Facebook, so Friend her and don't forget to LIKE the You Suck Monday on Facebook, a LIVE stream of techniques (its also recorded)!

Fabric Art Journals

She's Almost Done

Self Leveling Gel added

Pan Pastel Play

This is Kaila! She is my little Yorkie mix who is a lover, but very mischievious! I sketched this from this photo:

She is showing off her new collar from the Etsy store, Pinky's Pet Gear.

(Just went there to get the link, now I have to go back and order a spring collar!)

I used my new purchase of pan pastels which I had never used before.  I loved how they blended so easily.  

Seeded and Watered

Layered paint background, fabric flower, stitched border.

Adding color to the face, and was finally able to use my pencil lengthener which I have had forever~

The Quin Magenta on the dress ended up looking cool with the background colors showing through~

Art Journal Cover

Journal Play

Pardon Me Boy  

Sing Your Own Song

The Journey Begins