In the Studio - Black and White Drawings

This morning, I was inspired to go back and look through some of my older black and white drawings after watching this amazing trailer for The Moon Bird by The Brothers McLeod... (via Drawn!)



I've always loved drawing, I think even more than the act of painting. Maybe it's because it comes more naturally to me. Painting is a bit more of a challenge; more of a commitment. When I draw, I feel like I can be as loose or tight as I want to be. I feel more in control.

Gourds, 2005, Graphite on Paper

Haunted, 2006, Graphite on Paper

So the question I have for myself is, how do I apply this in my current works on canvas? It will be an interesting journey!

What mediums do you feel most comfortable working with and how do you apply that to your current work?

Images of Inspiration

I'll admit it, I'm not the biggest Monet fan. For shame! However, with that being said, experiencing the round gallery featuring Monet's large paintings at the Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris last year was truly inspiring. I had a bit of head cold at the time, and I think the resulting mind fogginess only enhanced the experience of being absorbed in the work. I was overwhelmed by the brushwork...



It has been months since my last museum/gallery-going experience, and I'm starting to fiend a bit. Taking the time to be surrounded by art always inspires me. I think it's time to check out the new Cleveland Museum of Art, or perhaps head to Columbus and see what's up at the Wexner Center.

What was the last show or museum you visited? Did you find it to be inspiring for your own work?

Fave Etsy Finds - Journals

I love starting a new journal. All those glorious blank pages waiting to be filled! My journals tend to be half written, half sketched, and always a bit kooky. I am always searching for new and unique journals to become my companion. Here are few of my favorites...

afiori
Maria-Thérèse Andersson at afiori makes such luscious journals! She selects a gorgeous array of papers that inspire creativity. Her ethereal, dreamy photos and collages often grace the cover. My current book is one of her creations and it's just about full. I know I will back for another soon! Check out some of her selections at her Etsy shop! Here are a few that I have my eye on...




SpaceDog Studios
I had the pleasure of meeting the artist behind SpaceDog Studios while visiting Oddmall last November. I immediately fell in love with the style of her handmade journals. I adore all of her products, but especially love the kitchen sink journals and sketchbooks.


Thank you to my fabulous mommy who surprised me on Christmas with Risky Kitty (below). I fell in love with Risky Kitty the moment I set eyes on her daring bikini! And... it's full of high quality watercolor paper! Swoon...


I plan to write and doodle a lot more in the coming year, so I'm going to need more journals! I'm sure I'll be back to afiori and SpaceDog Studios, but I look forward to sharing my new handmade finds as well!

Inspiration – Kermie

Sometimes you just need a little Kermit.



And then there's this (from BestWeekEverTV.com): Muppets as fashion? I don't know whether to laugh or cry!

In the Studio - Updates

My studio post comes a day early this week so I can free some time up tomorrow for needle felting and Woolygeeks.

Last week I shared the very first phase of a new piece I was working on. Over the weekend I attacked it again and here are the results:


I like what happened in the layering and free-flowing shape and color. I don't feel that it is complete yet, but I will hold off for a few more days while it marinates in my mind. More layering and composition tweaks are in order.

I also had a chance to work on some new illustrations. They began as simple doodles with a collage element (their bodies are construction paper "feathers" donated by The Baklava Queen from a project that didn't come to fruition for Local Roots around Thanksgiving – thank you!).

Soon, they developed personalities and fell neatly into a little mythological set of feminine triads. First, the Graces (or Charities) ...



And then, the Morrigan...

Not sure where this flow next, but I'm excited about the possibilities!

Wednesday Photos – A break from snow

So much snow I need color therapy!

Missing the fall foliage...


And looking forward to these guys poking their heads out of the ground in a few months!

Fave Etsy Finds - Warm Woolen Mittens

I lost a glove last weekend. In the midst of the coldest part of our Ohio winter thus far, I lose a critical component to keeping warm. The upside? I get to shop for new gloves or mittens! Here are a few of my favorite Etsian varities... with a few handwarmers thrown in for cold office days.

Little Owl Fingerless Gloves by homelab



Recycled Felted Alpaca Wool Mittens by WoolWerksOrg



Upcycled Felted Wool Mittens with Dog Applique by formydarling



Black and White Striped Felted Wool Mittens by EnviroCrafter



Violet Neo-Victorian Fingerless Gloves by JRoseAtelier

Inspiration - Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival

I was forwarded a link this morning from the Boston Globe about the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China. You can read the article here, and check out more amazing photos. The color, artistry and engineering blow my mind!

Felt Friday – Snow on the Mind

Keeping the snowy vibe alive, here are a few of my favorite winter critters on Etsy.

A completely amazing Snow Hare by sarasark:


I love the scarf on this adorable Sheep on Snow pin cushion by BossysFeltworks:


And these whimsical, unique Klondike Snow Peeps by HandworkNaturals:

Beginnings

Outside, the beginning of our current snow covered state...


Inside, the beginning of something new...

Weekly Photography – The Eye in the Sky

A mouse finger puppet stalks a cat.

Fave Etsy Finds - Snowy Cuteness

Little Chickadee Photo Print by NatureMandalas



Fox Running in Snow Pendant by RiverOtterRustic



Bunny Races Print by amberalexander




The Land of Snow Bunnies Print by pipodoll

Inspiration – Setting the Tone for 2010

A Song, A Video
Bat for Lashes - Horse and I (live)



Also check out the official video for What's a Girl To Do here. The animal headed bike riders alone are worth it.

A Sweet New Kitty Hat


A Goal to Accomplish


My first serious attempt at an art fair! It will take a lot of preparation, promotion and perseverance, but I'm psyched to see it through. Show is in May... it will be here before I know it!

More Music Just Because We All Need a Smile
They Might Be Giants – Fingertips