Timpani Collage

The past week I have been so busy-helping my mom with my brother's affairs out of state.  I couldn't believe there was so much to do.  I have been mentally and emotionally spent.  Once I got home, I pretty much fell apart.  Today I have actually felt more at peace, and felt up to doing a little art. So, i decided to do a collage and since I have had percussion on my mind, I decided to use an image of a Timpani, which my brother played for the Symphony.  I dusted off my Gocco printer and made a screen of Timpani to use as the focal image. In addition to the Gocco print, I used vintage papers, gesso, watercolor, pencil, tissue and a dry transfer letter. I know its not the straightest photo, but you get the idea :)

Rest in Peace, Dear Brother

It has been a horrible few days. My oldest brother had a major stroke on wednesday evening. At first things seemed okay but it went into a bleeding stroke, and it was inoperable.  He died today, at 56 years old.  It has been traumatizing for my family, as this came out of nowhere. 
Today I have reflected upon some memories I have of him.  For one, he was a brilliant musician.  He was a Percussionist Extraordinaire. He was a Professor of Music. Music was the love of his life.
I grew up being around symphonies, and was always so bored by them. But it was because of that, that ultimately instilled in me a love of music.  It was because of him, that I had an amazing piano teacher for so many years. He never settled for anything other than the best. 
He was writing and illustrating a book all about drumming, and it was in the final editing stage. He was co-authoring the book with one of his good friends.  That book will now be dedicated to him.
We had such a large age difference that I didn't know him too well. By the time I was a toddler, he was off at college.  I wish I could have known him better.  But I know I will see him again someday.



Kirk Sharp
1956-2012

Back to my Collage roots :)

So I know I mentioned in a previous post that I was trying to get away from collage. sigh. Trying was the key word.  Truth is, I just can't. Its kinda where I began, and it runs thick in my blood. I have ALWAYS adored Randel Plowman's work and I recently picked up his book and it just inspired me to do it. After all, I have LOADS of ephemera and collage supplies. So I gotta use them, right? 
So in an effort to do art today I was drawn to collage.  Actually most stuff I do, even if its a miniscule piece, always has a collage twist.  I have not dug through my tub of ephemera and it was fun to pull it out and explore it once again. I was drawn to the flamingos-they screamed at me to be used today. I love pink flamingos and they have been on my mind alot lately as I have been seeing those pink plastic ones lately-you know, the ones you stick in your yard? My grandfather used to have some and I always as really crazy about them. In fact over the weekend I told my husband I wanted some :) LOL!!!!

5x7

Vintage papers, gouache, tissue, graphite and gesso on watercolor paper

Washi Tape to the rescue!

I have quite a bit of Washi tape-got it to use in my art journals. But lately I just haven't been doing any art journaling.  I made a couple of Dry Erase Boards out of picture frames, for my daughter's teacher and aide as thank you's. They just needed more-the black frame just wasn't cutting it for me! Then I remembered my Washi tape! Soooooo glad I have it on hand! It fit just right into the grooves of the frame to add the finishing touch! These are 5x7 in size and will just sit on a desk top. I hope they like them :)

Climbing Mount Everest

So for the past 4-6 weeks I have felt like I am climbing Mount Everest.  Some things in life have just taken their toll and I have landed flat on my back.  I hate dealing with the "D" word. Its something I have even avoided talking about until the last few days. Reality has hit.  I suffer from the D word. sigh. It runs in my family so its pretty inevitable anyway. I have been in denial about it for some time. But its time to face it.  I am facing this head on and I am going to fight it to the death.  Each day may be small victories, but I will fight this.  The only thing I really REALLY miss right now is my artistic muse. She has gone, and has been replaced by a fog. I sit and have loads of great ideas. Once I stand in front of paper or canvas, it goes blank.  Its the WORST! But I still "show up", draw some stuff in my Moleskine, and collect art supplies, so when the "sun" returns I will be ready to go. I try to rejoice in each day's small victories. I look back at my day and count all the things I accomplished (even though they aren't really art related at all).  As if its not lonely enough with the "D" word, I tend to isolate myself. And it sucks not having any family nearby. So I do this...........alone.

Basquiat style in my Moleskine journal

As mentioned in a previous blog post,  I have become pretty obsessed with all things Basquiat.

I have lost count of how many times I have watched his movie and documentary (I know them inside and out). Being i have studied his work so much, I thought I would try my hand at doing something his style today-except for using Gouache paints which I had forgot I had.
Gouache, paint pen, and wax crayon in Moleskine Journal

Accepted into California State Fair!

I just learned that one of my pieces  (Le Soleil) was accepted into the California State Fair Fine Art Exhibit! They only accepted 3 assemblage pieces, and mine was one of them! There were 1326 entries into this show and they accepted approx 181 pieces. I feel very lucky, and very honored, to be a part of California's most prestigious show!


My Statement for this piece:
When I began this piece, I just started with a few found objects, not really knowing where this would end up. I chose the "sun" object simply because it spoke to me that particular day. As the piece progressed, and I chose the photo as the focal point, the mood of the piece seemed to emerge. Smiling women & the sun, plus my use of color are reminiscent of a beautiful, sunny California day, which I wanted to convey.

Weight Of The World

A couple days ago I had just the worst day ever. I literally felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders. I have not felt like that in such a long time.  Anyway, I did this painting and named it
"Weight of the World" and it says it all :)

Its 14x18 in size on a Canvas Panel. Mixed Media

Drawing for hours....

Over the past month or so I have spent hours upon hours drawing.........everything! Images around the house, still lifes, and faces.  I have not been brave enough to show anything here, but I have been proud of my progress. Even my husband has been impressed, and it takes alot for him to comment on things or be impressed at anything.  Lets just say he is a "man of few words."
Anyway I am pretty happy with the face I drew today, so I thought I would share it.  I added a stick of charcoal at the end and I wish I hadn't but thats okay, I am still pleased with the outcome.

I used to draw very well as a child, but it stopped there.  It has taken me lots of patience to start drawing, and to get past the whole "I can't draw" thing.  Because of how devoted I have been , I have conquered that fear.  I am past hearing that ugly "I can't draw" voice in my head.  I am actually really enjoying myself. I look forward to painting some of the things I am drawing.........just gotta do a little more before I take that leap!

Drawing is 9x12 in size. Image is MUCH better in real life-it looks more washed out in the photo to me :(

Coming soon...........Mixed Media May

My friend Cindy has put together a wonderful project for the month of May that will be an annual event! Each day , a different mixed media artist will be featured! It should be pure eye candy for sure! Each artist will be interviewed and also some of their work will be shown. Although it is all mixed media, all the styles are very different! I am excited about it. I am also proud to be part of this!


Mixed Media May