A Tribute to Francis II

Back in April I posted a message about the story behind the Irises that were growing in my garden. Well I am finally starting the painting entitled "A Tribute to Francis." This will be a digital acrylic painting and this is what I’ve done so far…

Step 1 – the drawing and composition stage…
First, I drew the irises…

Then I added the leaves, and where they would be placed for a pleasing composition.

Step 2 – the painting stage…
First, I filled the page with a flat wash of yellow (I use yellow as the background color so that it glows through the top layers).

Second, I added random marks on the page, using colors that will be incorporated into the painting at some point.

Third, I added another layer of marks

Then blended those random marks together, for a soft kaleidoscope of color

Next, I added more random marks, this time using shades of purple and yellow, where the irises will be placed.

This is the stopping point for today, but check back again soon for an update.



From the jewelry box…
Uh oh, this jewelry making is becoming addicting. I "whipped up" these earrings a week ago to go with the black and white outfit I wore to the office today!

Today’s Quote: A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. - Anonymous

Introducing: What's on my easel...

Welcome to my new Tuesday post, "What's on my easel", where I will be sharing about the things that I am working on at the moment.

1. A commissioned watercolor pet portrait (unfortunately I can’t post an image because I don’t have the owner’s permission). The portrait is being built up layer- by-layer and quite tight.
2. A non-commissioned pet portrait of a welsh terrior. This is more of a practice piece and is being done in watercolor, following a more direct painting method. I started with a washy background and let it dry, then wet a large area on the dog and added a LOT of paint to it, in 2 to 4 colors (side-by-side or dropped on top of another color) and let it mix on the paper. The sections were divided into tail, hind right leg, front and shoulders, back and belly, and head. There is more to do, so check back for an update…

From the jewelry box…

I just completed a wire-wrapped bracelet for a friend. She has a family home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and she loves all things Southwest, including turquoise jewelry. Sharon, at Beads of Sharon, introduced me to “mosaic turquoise” – it is made from turquoise that has been mined and cut, then the remaining bits of stone are "repurposed" and pressed together (somehow), to form a beautiful mosaic bead. No part of the stone is wasted, and it is really quite beautiful. I thought it was unusual and fit the bill perfectly! Happy Birthday Michelle!

Quote for the day: “Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” Scott Adams

P-R-I-O-R-I-T-I-E-S

Personal review
Revealed
Involvement in things
Other than those
Ranking high on my priority list.
I realized it was
Time to make some changes and
Invest in those activites that I
Enjoy and fulfill my personal goals for this
Season of life

And so, I have done some soul searching and have made the following decisions:

First, I have decided to no longer be involved in the Gallery at Marina Square. Don’t get me wrong, the gallery and the people in the gallery are great, I just found that during this season in life, I was spending more time and resources than I could afford at the gallery.

Second, I have signed up to be a “Big Buddy” at church. I don’t know all of the details yet, but when they made an announcement asking for adults with special interests or skills to sign up to share them with a child, I was immediately reminded of the days I taught art in my home and knew I had to sign up. It was a wonderful experience to be able to share the gifts that God has given me and encourage children along the way. I look forward to learning more about the program and can’t wait to meet the child they pair me up with!

Third, I have to confess, I had great intensions when I started this blog, but I made the number one mistake – for me. I didn’t set a schedule. And so, I will commit to blogging regularly on Tuesdays…and irregularly = ) on other days. My Tuesday blog will include a “What’s on my easel” section, so you can see what I am working on at the moment, and other things that I think might be of interest to you.

Now what about you? Is there something that you have wondered about, or are interested in knowing/learning more about? If so, please let me know, either via email or posted as a comment here.

As always, I appreciate you! May you have an absolutely lovely day and may you live your life with your priorities in order and fulfilling those things that are important to you!

It's a Wrap!

Wire wrap that is! Last night my BFF Saundra and I took a wire wrap jewelry making class. This is our 2nd jewelry making class -- the first was a beginning class taken last fall -- you know the kind, "this is a bead, this is a pair of needle nose pliers," etc. Even though it was a beginner class, we learned enough in one night to complete a necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings -- and we left feeling comfortable enough with our "skills" that I made earrings for my friends for Christmas 2008.

I love to learn new things and last night's wire wrap class was quite fun. The class was held at BEADS OF SHARON, an unassuming beadshop in San Luis Obispo. The shop is located in an industrial park, so unless you know it's there, you have probably driven by and missed the wonderful inventory, classes, and assistance that Sharon offers. (Also, Sharon is gracious enough to offer my greeting cards, magnets, and miniature original paintings.)

Sharon started the evening by asking us to pick out 10 beads, plus some findings. We selected our beads and findings and she immediately started us on wire wrapping with a copper wire -- evidently copper is a little easier for beginners to use to learn the technique. As we felt comfortable with the process, we abandoned our sample wire and switched to sterling silver wire and set to the task of creating a bracelet and a pair of earrings. In just 3-1/2 hours, Sharon took us from fumbling jewelry maker wanna-bes, to wire wrappers...

The beads in my bracelet are from top left, clockwise: Garnet, Sterling Silver Bead, New Jade, Yellow Turquoise, Glass Pearl, New Jade, a nut, Serpentine, and another Sterling Silver bead. Sharon didn't skimp on the materials she allowed us to use for our first projects, and she made sure each person had a good understanding of the process.

If you ever have the chance, I would recommend visiting the Beads of Sharon shop and/or taking a class. You might even consider a "girls night" out, birthday party or shower there. It is a great opportunity to hang out with a wonderful bunch of ladies, learn something new, and add to your jewelry wardrobe all at the same time!