Work In Progress...

Hello,

I've been sick all week so haven't really been in the mood to do too much work in the studio. Today I went in and added some collage elements to one of the paintings I mentioned last week. I still have a bit more to add but here she is so far.

 The original is on the shelf in the back for reference.

 This is a closeup-I used a combination of magazine cutouts, scrapbook papers, wrapping papers and handmade papers.

And this is my messy table. This is where I do mostly drawings and collage work. 

Bye for now.

New Paintings!

Hello,

Here's a look at some paintings I started this week. They are based on some collages I did during the last Swindon Open Studios.

I need to wait till the paintings are dry before adding any paper to them.
Have a great weekend!

Bye for now.

Studio Envy

Hello,

At the start of the new year I decided I would organise and tidy up my studio. I had been really busy in December getting ready for Christmas -getting ready for craft fairs, wrapping presents, sending out cards, etc; which meant my studio looked like a bomb-site. I started by getting rid of stuff I just didn't need and had held onto for too long. I decided-I will try my very best to not be such a "hoarder". In the process of my organisation, I realised I have tons of really cool stuff just waiting to be used. So I decided that- I wouldn't buy anymore supplies unless I absolutely needed them. An exception to that would be if I see something I like and its an amazing deal and I cannot possibly turn it down. Lets see how that goes...

Anyway, as I'm still organising my studio- I have some really nice studios to share with you which I would love to have-

Antoinette Murray -love those colours and white walls. 

Kirra Jamison- Look at all that space and light.

Heart Handmade UK- there is just something about white floors -I love them!

Mary Ann Moss's studio- great overall feel to her space.

I can go on and on but I won't-otherwise I will be here all night.

When my studio is ready, I'll post photos of my own. 

Bye for now.

Inspired by the Cover of M&S' Magazine...

Hello,

I often collect images from magazines which inspire me or peek my interest. Either because of the colours, patterns or images in them. I really like the background in this M&S ad, its a painting done by a Cornish artist named Paul Wadsworth, The colours and the brush strokes are really eye-catching. I found the painting soothing and dramatic at the same time. I did a small painting on watercolour paper using watercolour paints and coloured pencils. 

I added a bit more yellow and orange to my painting; I don't know what I will do next with it- maybe I will paint or collage a model in front of it?? I just thought I would "strike while the iron was hot".

Bye for now.

A Bit of Weaving Part 2

Hello,

Last time on my blog,  I posted some woven artwork I did recently. I later stumbled upon an artist who does beautiful woven tapestries; her name is Maryanne Moodie. She did an interview on a blog- Design Files Daily about her work as well as showing where she creates. This blog has tons of great design ideas, inspiration for everyday life as well as a peek into other artists' spaces which I love.

I will blog about that next time.

I also found an old portfolio in my studio which has some of my really old artwork from high school and college. Some of which I really like and I can't see myself getting rid of because they bring back so many memories. I don't have any of my artwork from when I was a child- which makes me sad. It would've been nice to look at it now and try and remember where I was when I did the work or just to see the progression over the years. I've been trying to keep most of my son's artwork in the hopes he'll want it when he's older too. 

I looked at some of my work and thought "What was I thinking?!" I had a good laugh.

Anyway, here are some woven pieces I did back in the Fall of 1995 when I was studying Textile Surface Design at FIT.

I hope I have inspired you.

Bye for now.

A Bit of Weaving...

Hello,

I saw this really cute, and simple tutorial on weaving the other day on The Etsy Blog and it reminded me of some of the weaving I did back in college. 

The Etsy Blog-How-Tuesday: Learn to Weave

I thought I would try to do something a bit more tactile, a bit different than my usual work. Following the steps in the tutorial, I created this small woven piece. I used some really nice yarns I had saved for a "raining day". Here is one example-

Here is another woven piece; this one I added a bamboo skewer at the top for easy hanging later. 

 Here's a close up.

I might try making a loom on something more studier than cardboard for the next one and see how that goes. The two projects were pretty quick and easy. You don't even need yarn, you can probably use twigs, straw, ribbon or even fabric. And then maybe embellish with beads or buttons.

Why don't you have a go?

Bye for now.

Happy 2014!

Hello,

Happy New Year to you all!

I've made a list of goals/resolutions for 2014-

• Keep fit-I usually do 2-3 exercise classes during the week and have seen some real results, so want to keep that going. Maybe even take up a new sport.
• Eat healthy & DRINK MORE WATER!!!
• Make time for art everyday- even if its a sketch or some journaling.
• Revisit and resolve some unfinished artwork.
• Create some LARGE paintings.
• Teach and attend some art workshops-try a new craft or art technique!
• Open an online shop.

Have you made any goals/resolutions for 2014?

Bye for now.