Happy Father's Day....

Step One....

Close Up of Step One....

Step Two...

ART:

Inspired by a photo I recently came across of a model, I couldn't stop looking at her long flowing hair. The lovely red strands were twisted and curled in waves and layers like woven vines and branches. I knew I had found inspiration for a new addition to the surreal tree portfolio. This piece is 12 x 36 inch on a pre-stretched canvas. I am using a mixed media of pencil, ink, and oils, but who knows by the time this one is finished. 

I have also been gathering the supplies to create a mosaic piece, just for fun, and just for myself. I have accumulated a nice supply of natural and ceramic pieces of tile in a large variety of neutral shades, from which to choose.  While the design is semi worked out in my head, the location is the first hurdle I must clear. This means I might have to go back to the dungeon (aka basement) to be able to make a mess and spread out. 

Not sure how I am feeling about that...

To all the dad's out there, I think you will appreciate this:

A dad is someone who carries pictures in his wallet where his money used to be-unknown

Peace,

Valerie 

For the last few months, I have been alternately enjoying, cursing and painting a commissioned piece. I am still not finished.   These feelings reminded me to pause and reflect on how I can better relate to a client.  Bringing to fruition an idea that belongs to someone else can befuddle both the artist and the person the idea belongs to.  Many times we find a groove right away with our client, but every once in a while it takes a little more time and effort to engage or find that harmony. 

It is my job as the commissioned artist to listen and represent in a painting something of significance. This is not always easy.  With two people struggling to communicate their ideas, you must both be honest, patient and listen closely.  There is no fault, this is part of the process. The result will be a great painting. 

Stay focussed, don't give up, or feel discouraged if you have to begin again. The worst mistake anyone can make is to become complacent in their skills.  

Complacency is defined in the Merriam Webster Dictionary web site as: self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.   (...accompanied by UNawareness of actual danger or DEFICIENCIES!-worth repeating!!) 

The reverse of complacency, however, can lead to learning, awareness, knowledge, experience and a sophistication in technique.....

in the words of a one famous fish, just keep swimming.... 

Peace,

Valerie

Spring, sprung finally! I for one could not be happier. We we are on a steady trend toward another scorcher of a summer.  We are experiencing temperatures that approach 90 here in SW Va. mountains before we have even left the month of May. 

Art: The most recently finished tree is more subtle then some of its predecessors. Instead of heavier ink, I chose to use a fine tipped pen. The detailing is actually, well more detailed, but the effect is much softer.  To take a break, I pulled out a couple of pieces from the "my view" show and added some detailing to them.  

It occurred to me looking at these pieces that I should have pursued them further at the time; I might have discovered or evolved in to my current technique sooner.  But, it does prove (to me) that the discovery or process will eventually happen, but, sometimes you are the one holding yourself back by giving up too soon. They say you are your own worst enemy. I think there is truth in that statement. 

detail

Untitled
12 x 36 stretched canvas
mixed media
oil, ink

Day 181
from My View from 1502 show
8 x 10

Day 299
from My View from 1502 show
8 x 10

Before I leave I really would like to show off my lovely patch of primroses....I know many gardner's view them as invasive and they totally can be.  However, when I look out at that sea of pink I have a hard time being sad or disliking them....

Yep, that is cactus you see growing in the front edges of the primrose.....here where it snows, they survive!
Also, see my really cool planter we made from a piece of drain pipe? I am still trying to decide what to plant inside.
A nice big boxwood, shaped into a dome? Or a new everblooming hydrangea? decisions......

Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal...Nietzsche

Peace,

Valerie