A Sad State of Affairs...

Yes, my artistic life is a sad state of affairs. My last post here was on the 24th of April, and the last time I played with my paints was about 3 months ago. I've lost my zing, my mojo, my energy for art.

But I do feel it returning and have decided that I'm going to redo the Bloom True course with Flora Bowley while I have the chance (access to the online classes ends at the end of the first week of January).

I struggled with the course. The main reason for that, I feel, was that I had not done a lot of painting in the first half of this year (not have I done any since, mind you!) so I didn't have the usual excitement and anticipation that I would normally have had when learning something new.

The second reason was, and still is, that I kept going back to the style that I used after doing the Paint Mojo course with Tracy Verdugo last year. Not that that is a bad thing, but I felt it inhibited me.

But then again, I think it is a good thing because that is how I LOVE to paint. I need to embrace that and go with the flow. So, I shall start Bloom True again after gessoing over some of the canvasses that I loathe!

One of the positives that came out of the course is meeting a lot of new artist friends from both here in Australia and overseas. And while I have been quiet on the Bloom True Facebook Page front, I hope to catch up with the ladies and see how they have progressed.

Next year I am doing Tracy Verdugo's Sacred Marks workshop in June. I'm really looking forward to this as Tracy has expanded her reportaire since Paint Mojo and I know that I am going to learn some really, really valuable things!

Adios for now,

Sales, Projects and New Works...

Well, it has been a VERY LONG TIME since I last posted anything here. For those whom I'm connected with on Facebook, either on my profile, art page or in the various art groups I post to, you would have seen my recent works. For those who aren't, here is your chance!

I've sold one painting, completed another, worked on many other small pieces and worked on finishing an art class project. Below are photos of some of these:

Floating Flowers (SOLD)

 

Fantasy Fish (new work - NOT FOR SALE)



Be Free to be She (Art class piece - NOT FOR SALE)

I will be working on a few new pieces in the upcoming months, as well as participating in Flora Bowley's online e-course, Bloom True. I am VERY excited about that and can't wait to start and see where this course takes me.

Art Every Day Month...

Well, it seems that October/November are the springboard months for me to get my "art" on each year. It's been a year since I picked up my pencils and paints again after a very long hiatus, and it's been three months since I last did any real art. I blame winter. Although Brisbane winters are not cold, as such, they are cooler and I did a lot of knitting, crocheting, reading and snuggling up under a blanket to keep warm.

But I'm back! And so is Art Every Day Month that is run by Leah over at Creative Every Day. And yes, I have something to share!

At the end of June I was blessed to attend a Paint Mojo weekend with the lovely and talented Tracy Verdugo. My effort after the weekend was a large canvas with some beautiful colours and shapes on it. You can see it here. I've struggled to know what to do with the painting since, but a few days ago I picked up my paints again and started adding to it. And here is the result:

I was going with an underwater theme but a friend saw a bird, so I've run with it. Plus, I love hummingbirds. I've only ever seen one in real life, and that was over five years ago in the States. I find them incredibly beautiful. I also love dragonflies, so it must be something with the hovering wings! I'm going to keep working on this painting over time and hope that I don't get too frustrated with it (I did last night) and I am patient with myself and it!

Another painting that I'm going to be working on is an ex-commission. Due to the rough middle of the year I had, I didn't do any work on this painting and thus the commission has falled through. But it's all good, as I am going to look into selling the painting, or gifting it.

So, these are my projects for Art Every Day Month. I may or may not create something new daily, but regardless I will be working on these two paintings.

Getting My Mojo Back...

Well, it sure has been a long while since I posted here. A lot has been happening: illness, work, being a full-time single mum and more. And yes, I did start to love my painting mojo. However, I attended a two day workshop with the wonderful Tracy Verdugo last weekend and I got my painting mojo back while I got my Paint Mojo on!

The workshop was held at the Buderim Craft Cottage, which was a delightful location. And the group of 18 ladies I attended with were so lovely. We had such a wonderful time, and some of us have hooked up as Facebook friends, so it will be nice to see how we're all travelling in our art journey.

Below is my where I'm at with the large canvas that we started at the workshop. This is a large 90cm x 90cm (36" x 36") canvas. Tracey showed us through each stage of painting the canvas by creating a masterpiece of her own. She is a true talent and I had to pinch myself a few times when I was watching her work.

I will post progress photos, and also some more from the workshop. I'm looking forward to seeing where this painting goes!

Today We Created...

My daughter and I stayed home from school and work today. We were both feeling the effects of a very long week and were both snuffly, sneezing and generally feeling ick. My girl rested and played, and I rested and created. Suffice to say, it's been a loooooong day and I'm glad it's almost over.

Yesterday's foray into watercolour pencils went by the way side today with me giving up on the pencils and getting my paints out. It was an easy enough thing to do while resting, and it was very relaxing. Plus I was getting jack of the pencils and wasn't liking the result. So, here is what eventuated -

I'm not quite finished, but I'm very pleased with the result. The support is my visual diary, and I'm actually considering starting up an art journal after today's efforts.

My abstract painting

Miss 7's abstract painting

I gave my girl the opportunity to design and do a "creation" with paints today (she didn't finish it), and then to finish off a painting that she'd started a month ago for her bedroom. It didn't happen, so I finished it for her. This left lots of left over paint on the palette so I had a go at an abstract, and once she saw me using the squirty bottle for the black paint, of course she wanted to join in. I must say that I love - no, make that LOVE - her painting, and it's now hanging up right beside the front door. I'm so proud of her, and she said later that she really enjoys doing the messy paintings! Gotta love her!

So, that's AEDM for today. I'm pleased with today's creations!

The Day Job Dilemma...

To curb the creative edge during the eight hours at my day job, I sketch in the library at lunch time.  It's only 30 minutes, but it's enough to dream, create, sweep my pencil across paper and imagine what my sketch will look like on canvas.

Today I decided to sketch what I love the most - flowers and plants.  What I like to refer to as heavenly flowers and plants.  Creations based on what flowers and plants actually look like here on earth mixed with some heavenly whimsy.  Here is today's creation -

I can't wait to paint this one for myself!

I'm enjoying creating every day.  I just wish that I didn't have my day job!  But the bills need to be paid, my daughter and I need to eat, plus I need to buy more art supplies!  Seriously, I do like my job.  I just love creating more!

Sold to the Best Friend on the Right!

Yes, that's right! I have sold a painting! Yay! And while it is to my best friend, it's still a sale! And to make the deal sweeter, she also wants two more paintings, one to go on either side of the sold painting. And the painting that was sold is non other than "Rustic Moroccan Mystique", which makes painting a 'trilogy' so much easier!

Here is my progress as at Sunday evening. I'm quite chuffed that I was able to paint so much today as the stripes are the simple part. It's the detail that takes a while. But it is all very therapeutic and relaxing so I surely don't mind. Plus there is a financial bonus coming!

In addition to the above painting, I also started on a gift for my parents for Christmas. I'm not 100% happy with how the painting is progressing, but I am making additions and changes as I do. Here is some of the detail from that painting.

One thing I am finding is that I usually have a little bit of paint left over at the end of each session. So, this weekend I've been using the paint to create "Paint Palette Flowers" and also do up little background sheets to use with future collage endeavours. It's amazing what can be creates with blobs of paint. I'm rather loving this leftover project.

So, while I haven't posted every day over the weekend, I have been creating every day and I'm loving it immensely. I have projects swimming around in my mind. I am finding creativity everywhere, including in cookie cutters, pencil grips and Barbie brushes like I did today. It's amazing what patterns one can create from such simple items.

Another highlight of my weekend was going to the Brisbane Art Shed this morning. It was my first trip to a bone fide art store and I loved it! So many products and so much to choose from. While I went there to only buy some gel medium and gesso, I did end up coming home without the gesso (which I found out I did need later in the day), but I did buy the gel medium, more paints, a sketch pad and a desire to keep painting and creating no matter what!

For Jo...

Finally, I get to reveal my painting that I've given to my dear friend Jo for her birthday! I'm so excited! It's titled "Jo: Boldness & Beauty" because that is what Jo is: bold and beautiful.

I now can't wait to work on my next painting, which will be a Christmas present for my parents. Plus another Moroccan themed painting.

Paula xo

The Shepherd...

Little did I know that doing a simple painting such as this a few months back would propel me to where I am today - painting canvasses and becoming an artist. I am now living a dream.

Paula xo

Newly Completed Work...

Tonight I finished "Rustic Moroccan Mystique". All I have to do now is paint the sides of the canvas, sign it, varnish it and add the hanging hooks and wire. I'm planning on doing some more paintings and then creating a shop on www.madeit.com.au to try and sell it. Fun times ahead, I'm sure. Paula xo

Stage Two is Complete...

I'm relieved that this stage of my painting - "Rustic Moroccan Mystique" - is done as I'm keen to get onto the detail tomorrow and include some vibrant Moroccan colours! I never thought painting could be so rewarding, but it is! Paula xo

Rustic Moroccan Mystique...

Today I took some time out at lunch and sat in the campus library with an African art book. I love African art but I never thought I'd feel a kinship with Moroccan art like I did today. I was drawn to the colours and patterns. It proved to be the style and colours from my previous work in progress that will be revealed soon.
For today though, this is what my musing came up with ... "Rustic Moroccan Mystique". A painting from a sketch that was taken from a photo of a vibrant Moroccan tile today. I'm looking forward to session two with this painting. Once done then the vibrant colours can be added. I can't wait! I'm hoping that this painting may just be my first sold item. Here's hoping! Paula xo

And Apple Tree Art Begins...

First works from Apple Tree Art

Sneak peek of sketch from current work in progress

Also join me at my art page on Facebook!