Joy is an Inside Job

I've come to a bit of a realization -- while I was in the gallery in Morro Bay, I painted things that I THOUGHT (hoped) would sell to the "tourists", however I lost somewhat of myself in that. What I love to paint are what I call "Portraits of Life -- of people, pets, places and favorite things" -- in other words, things that are important and special to me and those that commission my paintings.

What's on my Easel...

It is an absolute joy to work on the "Tribute to Francis" painting. As I paint I am able to focus on Francis' life and the impact that he had. I am thankful for the beauty that he graced us with -- for the irises that fill my front garden with beauty, and for the legacy of a family in which he can be proud.

As a reminder, this is where we left off...


The painting is still in process. As I paint small sections, I see other sections that need additional attention -- like the yellow iris. Now that the purple iris is blocked in and partially painted, I see that the yellow iris is too light and doesn't have enough contrast to complement the purple iris.

I will continue working on this painting and provide you with an update next Tuesday.

From the Jewelry Box...

Since I started posting about jewelry making, I have received some requests to share my newly acquired wire wrapping skills. I have to confess, I am still pretty "green", but I love to see that "aha" moment as people learn new things, and am happy to share what I know...or what I think I know... with others. Robin was one who recently asked if I would teach her how to wire wrap. We set up a time and she came to my home, learned the basics of wire wrapping, and she made a lovely pair of reddish orange earrings. Robin is one of those creative sorts, so I can't wait to see what she will create!

I have always loved the ocean and am VERY thankful that we live on California's central coast. My latest necklace and earring design is based on the shells of the ocean and reflection of the sun on the water...


Cover to Cover...
When I started "making art," I learned that there was so much more to it than just standing in a museum or gallery and appreciating the work that someone else had created. There was the inspiration, the planning, the making the work itself. Then there are a multitude of background activities and processes involved in getting the artwork ready for presentation or sale. Well, just as I learned there is more to the artwork than just the finished product, I am learning that there is more to a book than just going to the bookstore, pulling one off of the shelf, reading it, and then setting it aside.

When asked to illustrate a children's book my mind immediately went into process mode and asked...How many illustrations? How many pages? Full color or select colors? Portrait (tall) or landscape (wide)? What is the page size? Will the illustrations go to the edge of page or will there be a margin?

Never having worked on a book before, these are questions the author and I began researching. We contacted publishers and book printers, and the information we received from them caused our heads to spin. Not really, but we realized that there is a lot involved in publishing a book.

At this point, we have determined the number of pages and the page size -- the other questions are yet to be answered. As we continue down the publishing road, I will continue to share what we learn along the way.

Until then, remember...

Quote of the day...
"Joy is not in things; it is in us." -- Richard Wagner

"A Tribute To Francis" update

What is on my easel...
The acrylic painting, “A Tribute to Francis” is coming right along. Last Thursday’s post showed the background colors being added and blended, the next step is to start building the leaf layers. The leaves are painted onto a separate layer in a flat wash.

Highlight and shadow colors are then added in and all are blended together.

The above technique is used to add the various layers of leaves…

Once the leaves are in, I add a flat wash where the flowers will go…


This is today’s stopping point. Next time I will begin defining the flowers by adding the highlight, shadow and midtone areas.


From the Jewelry box ...

My friend Karen celebrated her ##nd Birthday on Saturday. I put my newly acquired wire-wrap skills into use and made her a sterling silver, Peridot and Apatite necklace. It's funny -- I picked out the stones for her necklace based on the "natural" color clothing she wears. I learned later that Peridot is her birthstone -- I love it when things like that happen!


Okay, by now you should know that I didn't stop there. I made two bracelet and earring sets -- each made with shells and other stones and findings...



Today's Quote: “Painting from nature is not copying the object, it is realizing one’s sensations.” – Paul Cezanne

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!