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.