Zentangle, Zendoodle...

Zentangle - In the latest issue of CPSA's "To the Point", Verna Curnow presented an article on zentangle or zendoodle. An artform where repetitive patterns or shapes are used to create a meditative image. Easily seduced to try something new with art, I began my patterns with ink pen in hand. I used archival Pitt pens and made my image on Stonehenge paper. I have to admit it was time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable. I titled this little piece "Edge of Entanglement". It's on an 8 x 6 sheet of Stonehenge paper. It's something I could work on between other projects with very little needed for materials. I did some of it while riding in the car and had to stay away from the finer lines while bumping along in the Mustang. Seems those sports suspensions are not built for smoothness. LOL! Now I'm thinking of doing a whole art journal in this style. Wonder if I can stick with something that long...Anyone can do this type of art and it if doodling is something you do, why not turn it into art? Here's a link to a site that will provide you with more information and references. To your doodling! Linda

Colored Pencil Treasures - coming soon!

I am so very honored to have my artwork included in Ann Kullberg's "Colored Pencil Treasures" book. My work appears on page 34 as seen in the previews here http://www.annkullberg.com/cptreasures_2.php

This is the third book that includes colored pencil artwork that I have created. I continue to work on improving my skills in fine art and to promote colored pencil as a viable medium for creating fine art.

Keep Trying!

I can't believe it's been over a year since I posted on this blog and vow to be much more attentive to this in the coming year.

Just this week I helped judge artwork at the local junior livestock and homemaking show. It was interesting and inspiring to see such wonderful work being created by local children ages 6 - 12. I was moved by the ability of so many of them and encouraged by the interest of all of them. We were instructed to make comments on each judging sheet. As a sometimes instructor of adults who have shared their childhood experiences with me, I strived to find positive comments for every piece and to frame negatives and suggestions in a constructive manner.

I thought about abandoning my blog as it takes time away from other things I might like to do a little more. But then, I thought about how easy it is to give up on things and that's what so many kids do even though there was something they longed to communicate. So, my message to myself and to you is:

Keep trying! Every time you work on something - you learn something. I'm an artist, teach occasionally, and am always saddened and astouneded to meet people whose work was harshly criticized as a child. There are so many different types and styles of artwork that is pleasing to viewers of varying tastes, that I believe everyone can create art that communicates at some level. You might consider looking through books - and free, online information - about design and color. I find it very helpful to read and look at the work of other artists whose artwork I admire. Don't forget to check your public library for books and videos on art and artists. As long as you are finding some enjoyment and learning, you are succeeding! Only the most extraordinary artists created great art as they began their journey and many of those weren't recognized until their journey in this world had ended.

Painting BIG Flowers

As I began to write this post, I realized that the previous 2 entries featured shades of pink and this one will, too. Maybe time to come up with a different pallette? I keep struggling with the need to create a body of work. My ADD-addled brain has me hopping from one "great" idea to another despite my concerted efforts to stay on track. I began a colored pencil painting but the new box of open acrylics kept calling my name. I've been interested in trying the "open" formulation of acrylics for some time now and I finally succumed to the siren call. I have also been wanting to paint flowers in a larger than life format, so this rose is 18"x18" and I really enjoyed doing it. While painting this rose, Frances Ince Erdmann came to mind as she grew beautiful roses and even worked with a rose supplier (Jackson Perkins?) on their hybrid line. She was a generous friend and fun person who was also a victim of cancer. I've named this painting "Remembering Frances" in her honor.

I tried to capture the feeling of the light coming through the petals from behind. I still believe that acrylics have a harsher finish than oils and I'm not sure I wouldn't be happier with the results. The last time I tried the water miscible oils I was put off by the consistency, but I'm thinking the right mediums might solve that problem. Bottom line, I still haven't found my holy grail but keep searching.

Paint whatever comes your way

This chest belonged to my husband's sister, who I never got to meet. It was then used by his daughter Liane and ultimately ended up in storage. I decided it would make a great project for Liane's daughter, Kamrynn, and set about changing it from the basic French Provencial white to something with a little more character. Previous makeovers of this type have included a set of cabinet doors when we added a cabinet unit to an older house and were not able to match the existing cabinets, and a large wooden floor lamp. I'll post photos of the other two mentioned projects in the near future. The chest and lamp were inspired by the ever colorful and whimsical styles of Mackenzie-Childs. I find their work especially delightful for the child in us all.

Happy creating!