Painting Process

I recently read an article on a current exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

The title is “Matisse:In Search of True Painting”

The writer of the article makes the exhibit sound fabulous. In particular, the show is described as being quite informative on, not only the artist, but on behaviors that should be practiced by all artists. I've never thought of an exhibit as instructional before. But I think it is a wonderfully smart way to experience what your viewing; not just emotionally but scholastically as well. If you have access to the Met before March17th, maybe you should go. Here's a link to the article.

http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/854181/6-things-i-learned-about-painting-from-the-mets-blockbuster

The six things the article claims you will learn are; when to use black, that the background is part of the composition, that one should always do multiple studies, knowing when simplicity wins over details, why to document your process, and that there is no shame in imitating your contemporaries.

In reading what the article had to offer, I came to a conclusion that my own artistic practices have a lot in common with those of Matisse. Please mind; I am not trying to (overly) liken myself to a master painter. I am just having a bit of (fancy) fun with information that has been brought to light.

I found a few things we had in common, but most importantly (for me) Matisse documented his painting process visually. In the 30's he hired a photographer to take photos of the various stages of his work. This showed his painting was more strategic than spontaneous. Looking back at photos also helped him plan future moves. I will use this fact; that we both love to document our process to segue into my own photographic representation of one of my recently finished paintings. Enjoy. 

This is the initial photograph.

Creative Indulgence

Lately I have been spoiling myself by indulging a creative rampage. In the past couple of weeks I have completed over 5 paintings. Mind you, they were not all started a couple of weeks ago. I wouldn't want to insinuate that I am a fast worker. Here they are in no particular order.

Over the coming days I will be posting the processes from some of these works.

Also, a few of these are available for purchase on Etsy.

Over the holiday season I have also been working on a series of special orders. I have been getting an increasing number of Special Orders. It is definitely more work to complete; but in a good way. It works my brain in ways that making what ever I want never could. Here's a few, in no particular order.

And my particular favorite of the season...The Santa Clause.

I have also been branching out from these two main outlets for my creativity. For instance, here is my snuggie for my plant. I made it from some old granny squares I have that my grandmother made. 

I love it. I want to make snuggies for everything using these squares. Everything you wrap in them looks adorable.

What's my next “branching out” project?

Figuring out how to cut down and resew my grandfather's flannels into a size that fits me.

I also have plans to finally finish the throw rug made from knotted t-shirts that I started in May. 

Stay tuned...

Army Art

It isn't often that my world and my husband's world collide. I'm an Artist. He's in the Army. I'm a Painter. He's a Pilot.

I think Paula Abdul said it best.

And because my husband's lifestyle affords me my lifestyle; I'm on the team.

Recently I completed a commission painting. It was designed as a gift for a Commander, as he will be changing command soon. Because he is leaving this particular Company for another gifts are in order.

What better gift than a commemorative painting?

Here's the Work of Art from start to finish. 

 

Charles J. Casper

What does this guy have to do with scarves? Maybe nothing. Maybe everything. He's my grandfather. Beginning on the day I was born, he has been a huge part of my life. He was laid to rest this past week. In memorial I am exploring his influence on my life and work. 

As I stand today I am a product of my surrounding world. While my grandfather was not an artistic man, (he always described himself as an electronics man) there is no doubt he has affected my creative expressions in some way.

My grandfather was just a regular guy, but the details that prove this fact are not the ones that standout in my mind. The things that have lasted in my memories are the things he did that made him unique. He had a bunch of quirky sayings, he had interesting ways of pronouncing certain words, and I think he had a great smile. It is really big and sincere. (This is funny because, in his later years, he was cranky a lot.) I use a lot of his pronunciations and sayings, and I'd like to think that I have a sincere smile myself. These are the things that make each person extraordinary, no matter how ordinary they may seem.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. My grandfather always supported the different phases of my adolescence. He used to let me borrow his shirts and ties. In fact, I still wear his ties. He helped send me to art school, and even when my paintings were experimentational he always hung them on his walls anyway. This is a shot of the awkward painting he allowed in his bedroom. 

He swore he liked it, but I think it was only because I made it.

When I turned 21 he took the family to his men's club to celebrate. We drank Coors Light draft and played shuffle board. My grandfather was the only guy there who drank Coors Light draft, and the only one I've ever known to bring his family. These Roma Club trips however, ended up as a family tradition. Paying less then $2 for a beer is so nostalgic; and for that matter so are membership fees, a sign-in book for women, and walls with wood paneling.

My grandparents walked me down the aisle at my wedding, and I had my dance with my grandfather. He led me around the floor like a pro. He was an amazing dancer, although the older he got the more he preferred the couch.

My grandfather's existence celebrated the simplicity of life. You don't have to have a lot to give a lot. He had pride in himself, where he came from, (Pottstown, PA) his family, his community, and his country.

Like my grandparents, but not because of them, I am living the military lifestyle. I understand what they went through. Being in the Army presents many rare opportunities; good and bad. I give them credit; 40 years ago it was much more difficult to be a thriving military family. I think one of the aspects that they always enjoyed was the travel. I'll admit to that being my favorite part too. Like my grandfather, my husband enjoys (and is proud of) the fact that it is his job to participate in the protection of the basic rights of humanity and the defense of our great nation.

After writing all this I can clearly see it. He is everywhere in my life. I like working hard. I like being with my family. I love serving my community. I like drinking beer. I love travel. I love to share. I love scrapple. I love Jersey diners. I enjoy watching M.A.S.H. I'm not afraid to admit what I am. I will miss him, but not too much. I have so many great memories, and he helped us build such a great family. I don't really feel like he is gone.

A Frank Shirt and a Robot Mousepad

I hope you enjoyed my recent painting. I'll be starting a new one next week. Here's the photo.

I'm still loving my Tom Selleck Portrait idea. Should I work from this photo?

or maybe I should work from this sweet tattoo I found.

In other personal project news, I made a Frank shirt for my mom. Her birthday is next week. She'll be fifty! (I can't believe it. She is growing up too fast.) I sent her a couple of other goodies with the shirt; most of which I can not name do to shipping restrictions. (Let's hope no one from USPS is reading this.) 

As I wrote last week, making my Frank shirt was a pain in the butt. I didn't think this simple project could get more annoying, but it did. With my mom's I had trouble getting the photo to stick on the shirt. 

The transfer paper is trickier than the directions imply. I think the print still looks cool, though in a grungie way. Because of my issues with the picture I made sure I kept the iron on the name part longer. Guess what happened. I burned it. So then I put a patch around it so it wasn't so obvious. 

What do you think? Let see what my mom has to say when she gets it. I hope she doesn't read this first.

In my last bit of handmade news; I'm really excited because my new mousepad finally arrived. 

I feel like my desk is complete.

I ordered the mousepad from Craftie Robot on Etsy. It was way cooler than the online pictures. I think this happens a lot on Etsy. The most difficult thing for us sellers is creating pictures that do our work justice. If you are someone who has never shopped on Etsy, shame on you. It has so much to offer. You won't be disappointed. How could you be? You get handmade, quality items, they ship to APO's, and you get to support little guys. Oh, you can also get really obscure vintage items too. If you need help shopping Etsy you can sign up for their shopping emails; it's on the lower left side of the homepage. They are really fun to browse; and you might be surprised to learn what the website offers.

Another Swiss Chair Lift

Here's how it started.

Then I made a canvas and put the drawing on it.

Then I made the stencil and spray painted it.

Then I paint.

And paint.

And paint.

Until it is finished.

Then I hang it and wait for it to dry so I can paint the sides.

In the mean time I take a bunch of cool close-ups.