My favorite flower...the wild rose.

About 20 years ago I saw a single plant amongst a pile of rubble in a lot that was going to be bulldozed to make yet, another building.  I couldn't stand the idea of that beautiful wild rose bush being torn out and demolished along with everything else.  I made my husband stop and we/he dug it up...good thing he had some really good gloves in the car because those thorns were daunting!  The rose bush was not tall or wildly blooming, it was just big enough for the trunk of our car.  We have moved several times since then and each time this plant has come along with us.  I just love it!  The the beautiful abudance of bloom is short lived but the fragrance is so incredibly amazing and hypnotic!  Those thorns are my husbands biggest complaint...I am sure if I wasn't around he's tear up the plant and throw it out!  I love this rose bush.  I once bought and planted an heirloom rose bush called Dainty Bess, it looked like a big wild rose bush but with bigger pink flowers (it's funny but this is the only way I like the color pink) and it had a wonderful rose scent!  My dog at the time Sofie, well she loved it too, she would sniff at it and looked transported.  One day I noticed all the flowers were gone and saw that good ole Sofie had loved them so much she ate all of the roses!  That was the end of Dainty Bess but this plant still survives!  Did I mention I love this rose bush!

Having fun with Zorana's printouts...

for my mini folders.  I am using her washi tape and bird art prints I purchased from Zorana's Etsy store.  The journals are for an art show in June. Zorana's blog is www.zoranaland.blogspot.com .

New canvas...

Had a wip and didn't like it so I gessoed over it and this is my new sketch so far.  Just felt the urge, thank Goodness!  Finally!  Thank goodness for keeping an art journal for experimentation and visual thoughts!  I came across an attempt to use watercolor in a non watercolor journal and of course it just made a mess but out of that mess she appeared and here we go.  This is a larger canvas than I prefer, 16" x 20" x 1.5"  I have a lot of texture because of the gesso haven't decided whether to sand it down or not but it is a start!

So far the first painting is the beginning and this is the middle.  Don't know where I am going with this but it feels so good to be doing it!  So much more to do...but then maybe not.  I am adding more paint than I usually do and I am happy about that!


 

Can't sleep...

It is 3:40 a.m. PST and my inner child wanted to play.

The top one is three layers, some thoughts on paper and a drawing/painting on old primer text and a sheet of vellum with ink overlay.

The bottom is very thin handmade paper (no, I didn't make it).  I used pastel and aquaelle crayon and ink.  I added some torn text to hair, left one says circles and the right one squares!

I am now feeling tired and may try to sleep.  Hopefully the cats will leave me alone and all will be quiet for a little longer.  We will see!  Good night/morning!

 

I am enjoying making post cards!



 

 

Here is a pencil sketch that was inspired by Gustav Klimt after viewing his sketches on Google!  Mine is a bit different but I love the face so much I tried to copy it exactly...it is close but good enough for me.

Here is one that I made using Misty Mawn's copy right free photos she allows her students access to.  I believe this is her daughter and I am guessing only because in the photo (which my rendition of is not exact, though I tried) the eyes look just like Misty's.  I love Misty's classes!  www.mistymawn.typepad.com

There was a postcard exchange in the Face to Face class but I missed it.  I loved the idea and am having a lot of fun making these.   I bought a postcard stamp from Etsy.com.  These cards measure 3.5" x 6" I do like the small area to work in!  This card is graphite, acrylic paint, pastel pencil and watercolor pencil on watercolor paper.

Misty Mawn's class Face to Face...

I have been making "Blizzard" journals.  I learned this by taking Misty's class.  (I love her classes!)  I made two sizes, one approx 5" x 5 1/2" and  a smaller one to hold postcards.  I have to make more so I can really perfect the technique, mine are not great nor sellable!

 This is the result of my first attempt.  If you are taking Misty's class and she tells you not to use thick paper...DON"T use thick paper!    The pencil drawing (3rd photo) is two images I borrowed from Pinterest.  That is to say I sketched the images of a rose and of a model for photos I saw on Pinterest!I need something to practice with, sorry I forgot to put the names of the person who took and posted the two photos!

Here is my second attempt at Blizzard journal...this one I did use a grocery paper bag because I couldn't find 24" paper.  It is not good to use for this project!  I tried to make it smaller and as I am horrible with math couldn't quite get the right measurement for postcard size journal.  I did a lot of trimming.  I did use a Dover free print onto to cotton cloth for my covers, inside and out. 

Ok now back to practicing!

A little drawing in my journal...

Lately I haven't felt much like doing anything let alone drawing but I am making myself do so!  I can do better, I want to do better!  So my little art journal is perfect for that!  So I will keep plugging along.  I do love getting lost in the lines!