Help [ME] Ronda

Create Daily: Art of the GO

i am headed to Doha, Qatar and then on vacation so i thought i would pack myself and Art of the GO travel pack.  While i cannot take all of this on the plane, i can take a fair portion to keep me creative daily.  This is a great way to travel but still fill the need to do something artful.  Whether you are going on vacation or sitting poolside, pack yourself a little kit to be creative.  Let's take a look at all the supplies in my kit.

1. Fluid Acrylic Paints in Primary colors plus Black & White
2. Koi Watercolor travel kit plus some water brushes
3. 15 Neocolor II Crayons
4. Drawing Pencils, HB, 2B, 4B, & 6B plus a sharpener and kneaded eraser
5. Spray inks in Mini Misters, plus an empty one for water
6. Waterproof Permanent Black Markers & pen
7. a few of my favorite paintbrushes
8. Four journals, two watercolor, one sketch, one for thoughts
9. white sharpie, white eraser, and small brayer
10. small matte medium & craft mat

This will fill my need to create and help me document my little summer journey. 

Create Daily: Map it

Ever since i was a little girl i have always been fascinated by maps.  From that child's perspective, they take you places.  Far off places.  Exotic places.  Places you never think you will go but often dream of seeing.  i do travel a lot now to far-off exotic lands but never really did so until i was 27 years old.  i haven't stopped since then.  So it's no wonder maps appear in my work.  i bring home collections of maps of the places i've been to use in some way.  i buy old atlases in used book shops and antique stores.  i love old travel guides with illustrations and street map books are my favorite. 

You can see the stencil layers in this old atlas turned art journal.  I completely adore it as an art journal but also rip out some pages to use in other projects. 

Can you see the street map collaged on this art journal page?  How about the stenciled covered atlas page running down the left side?

This page was out of an old atlas as well and served as the basis of this art journal page.  I love both the text at the bottom as well as the street map.

Sometimes i just punch small pieces of maps to use on layouts & art journals.  I have a little stack of these in a dish near my desk waiting begging to be used. 

Here's another punched map, this time i used the punched pieces as well as the leftovers. 

And this art piece is filled with layers of stencils and color over the atlas page.  I just love seeing it peek through the background.

So look around yourself for some discarded maps, old atlases, and street maps and put them to use.  Pick them up as you go traveling and bring them back to be used in your art journal, mini albums, or scrapbook pages. 

Have you created something this week?  Anything goes...an art journal page, doodle, scrapbook page, card...just something creative.  Share a link at the bottom of this post with the inLinkz button.  Just leave a link to a specific blog post or image on flickr, rather than a general url. This way we can see your stellar creation.

Back to Writing

When i developed the Art of Pen Pals class, i hoped it would propel me back into letter writing.  I also wanted to inspire others to take this creative journey with me.  I cannot speak for my students but i can honestly say teaching this class has totally inspired me in whole new ways.  I was extremely excited planning out the lessons but putting them into action has stirred up something new in me.  And i love getting back to writing letters.  Sitting down with pen, paper, and my words writing to someone across the globe felt better than i could have imagined.  i kind of felt like a kid again, meeting someone new for the first time.  I also felt giddy going to the mailbox seeing all these letters come in from across the world in the coolest envelopes.  it's been like Christmas every day here. 

This class isn't solely about writing, although that is a big portion of it.  I also wanted the students to embrace the art and inspiration found in their lives.  I have been nudging them out of their comfort zones.  There were many panic moments but once they started breathing again, the positive comments came pouring in.  There is more than just monthly assignments in the class.  i wanted it to be lots of fun information, cool projects, tips & tricks, plus the letters from the pen pals.  Month 2 is just around the corner and i cannot wait for them to see their next assignment.

I will be running this class again in September.  Registration will be late August.  I will announce registration day & time soon. 

THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY

There's no doubt yesterday i was in a blah mood.  i know there were lots of contributing factors, some i cannot escape, some i must be willing to change myself.  i was working on a big project that felt stifled so i sat down and gave myself permission to create.  Out popped this gal, uncertainty i call her.  i was surprised at how fast she developed.  Perhaps it was that need to release all those pent up emotions. I can see all that i was feeling in her face.  I always want my drawings to be full of passion no matter what the emotion behind it is.  She's not quite done but i am liking the direction.  And i have to say i feel much better having spilled onto the page. 

Word Up #72: SURROUND

a new Word Up over at OLW -- Surround.  I really love this word Jessi selected.  My life is surrounded by so many good things-- family, friends, my church family, faith, HIS grace, laughter, etc.  i could go on and on.  But this word also does something else for me.  It reminds me to surround myself with things to help me stay positive.  It makes me want to take notice of all the blessings in life, to see the beauty surrounding me.  I want to drink deep all the love, all the comfort, all the inspiration this life has to offer.  I want to embrace it completely. 

For my piece, i created a mixed media canvas trying to capture that beauty that does surround me as a little reminder how blessed i am.  i wanted something serene, calming but full of layers.  I started with an 8" x 10" wood canvas building up layers of texture through gesso and fabric.  I collage some pieces on the background and then layered on lots and lots of color through many mediums.  Next i painted the small canvas after adding the music paper.  I colored the filigree piece and stamped the word surround on the metal accent, purposely turning the "r" upside down.  it's a reminder to me that even though i sometimes feel like my life is upside down that i am always surrounded by love & beauty.  I then used the cherry blossom stencil to pencil in the twigs & blossoms before painting the image with acrylic paints.  I embossed the metal leaf and burnished it before adding it as the last layer. 

I hope you'll join us this word up!

InLinkz.com

Create Daily: Complementary Colors

Out of all the design elements, color seems to be one that people tend to struggle with when creating.  A while ago i suggested to go monochromatic.  it can produce some amazing results.  Today i am challenging you to go Complementary.  Complementary colors are ones that sit directly across from each other on the color wheel, like the ones above.  They create dynamic pieces when the warm & cool colors are paired together.

This piece places Red & Green together for a piece that pops.  The yellow-green on the background creates a dramatic back drop for the red flowers.  The green stems just add to the piece.  I used acrylics to create this small art.

I know i cannot resist pears.  love how this delectable yellow pear is contrasted against the violets.  This art piece uses two complementary pairs.  I mixed in some stamps & splatters among the neocolorii crayons and acrylic paints. 

I really like how this piece came together.  I was going to do blue background, orange birdie but decided to flip it.  i am so very happy i did.  This little cutie is a watercolor creation along with a waterproof pen.  He makes me so happy.  I definitely dig the contrast. 

So which complementary color combo are you going to try today?

Have you created something this week?  Anything goes...doodle, scrapbook page, art journal, card...just something creative.  Share a link at the bottom of this post with the inLinkz button.  Just leave a link to a specific blog post or image on flickr, rather than a general url. This way we can see your stellar creation.

 

 

InLinkz.com

Be Still or Take Flight

A while ago i started working on this small art piece (6" x 6").  It all begin with an idea of limiting myself to small art pieces trying to complete one a week.  Well that didn't turn out as i hadn't touched this piece for about a month.  With online classes, in person lessons, assignments, CHA stuff, i kind of threw my personal art out the window (figuratively).  I am grateful for all the work, please don't get me wrong, but I have felt off.  I knew what it was.  i needed to just sit down and take time for me.  It's a lesson i am forever learning.  i finally sat down and picked up the bird and my paintbrushes.  it felt good to close everything else out and just breathe again. 

i worked on completing his final layers since he was mostly complete.  i had a blue solid-ish background on there but decided he needed a little warmth.  i really like how the yellow looks surrounding him.  the bits of paper come from an old street map book.  i need to find another one of those since i have burned through the pages already.  little and bigger splatters here and there with some drips of white. I titled this piece "Be Still."

But he kept speaking to me so i decided to add in some words, my words.  as he sat on the branch looking out i could feel his thoughts. i used my waterproof pen to write out those thoughts feeling "Take Flight" was complete.  and i'm breathing again.  i also decided to block time on my schedule just for me.  it's the only way i will take time for me is to pencil pen me in. 

So which one speaks to you, "Be Still" or "Take Flight?"

from the Archives..Simplicity Canvas

Sort of

I did this piece in 2010 and never shared it on my blog.  That is, until now.  this Simplicity canvas has now found a home in the guest bedroom.  It is actually one of the pieces that inspired the now completed and decorated room.  I really love the colors along with the title.  When i look at it i am reminded to see the beauty in simplicity.  Here's a little tutorial on how to create some of the techniques on this canvas.

start with a layer of gesso.  then add book pages to the wet canvas.  add another layer of light gesso and let it dry.

Paint your first layer of the canvas.  As you can see above most of this layer will not be showing.  Choose a color that you want to POP, like the yellow.  Let it dry.  Next using a stencil or die-cut and a palette knife, scrap another layer of gesso over the image and the rest of the canvas.  Lift up the stencil/die-cut and let the gesso dry.  Add in more layers of paint. 

Use more stencils and/or die-cuts to add cool images around the canvas.  I like to use thick paint (heavy body paint) to create these layers.  Doodle around them with a paint brush to highlight them. and remember to just have fun!

in other news....

I got my hands on my new stencils and have been playing lots & lots.  I know you will love them.  I will share sneaks down the road. 

coming very soon is something new i am very excited about starting and i hope you will join me in this new adventure.  I will post details on Monday!

Pieces of My World

Over the years I have learned to collect bits & pieces of art and knickknacks, no matter how big or small, that speak to me.  Color, shape, size, story.  They don't have to be expensive pieces or found in galleries for me to fall in love with them.  Andrew & i sometimes find pieces together, ducking into little shops seeing if anything strikes us.  We have been slowly filling our house over the last twenty years. 

Today i am sharing a few pieces i completely adore, like the one above.  i found this plate in a little shop in Frisco, Colorado.  Main street Frisco sits below a mountain and is filled with quaint old buildings, wonderful bakeries and bistros, and fun shops.  The plate feels like the artist colored on it with crayons.  It's her own little technique that is so fresh and striking.  I had to scoop up this plate the moment i saw it.

Mademosielle under the Rain by Blanca Gomez

Oh do i adore this piece. I kept stopping by Blanca Gomez's Etsy shop the Cosas Minimas over and over again just to look at it.  That told me that i really wanted in my house.  It arrived ever so quickly and i immediately went out to purchase a floating frame for it.  It hangs happily in my library where i visit it often.  It reminds me how i want to be, looking classy and seeing the rain as colorful opportunities. 

This adorable little hand pottery piece is a gift from my mother-in-law.  She was in a shop in Golden, Colorado which is just around the corner.  Maggie said it just reminded her of me.  I love that.  It's quirky and unexpected.  It sits on my studio desk so i can stare at it daily.  I will occasionally hold little embellishments that i am using on a project.  I completely adore it.    

This matryoska doll was another travel find, not in an art shop, not in a tourist shop, but in a toy shop.  We were ducking in there to find something to bring home to the kids when we found this little beauty.  She only sits about 4" high and had 10 dolls total.  It's been a house hold favorite, so much so that the little Ant Boy use to open it up daily.  Now the Ant Man at age 16, he confessed that he lost the smallest piece (yes there is one smaller that pictured here) and was heartbroken.  How could i be upset when he got so much out of it over the years?

The last piece i am sharing with you today is a stunning Murano blown glass.  It is definitely a WOW piece that sits in our library as a focal piece in the bookcase.  We were wandering down the street, turned around and saw it calling out to us.  Breath-taking.  I am just enthralled with the layers of glass in this piece, the bubbles, the interior silver blue piece, and the flame like shape.  it's just so fascinating. 

Create Daily: Recycle

I truly believe in being creative daily.  it sharpens your skills and opens your mind up to all kinds of possibilities.  There are so many ways to be creative, in art, in cooking, in decorating, and in every day life.  In today's create daily, i want you to think about recycling, in a creative way that is.  i had some magazines that were ready to be recycled when i decided to cut them up and use them in a small art piece. 

I cut strips of color pieces from the magazines and adhered them to the background as the beginning of my piece.  I wanted this piece to be dramatic so i exaggerated some of her features, especially the eyes.  I felt she was full of so many traits and emotions, so they came pouring out in her hair.  i adore the words and graphics from the magazine peeking through the piece.  Grab some junk mail and give it a go.

or how about grabbing a to go cup and just having fun?  Here i used a paint brush & black paint and just played.  you could use a black marker or colorful ones, paints, or how about crayons?  Just doodle and have fun.  Look around for something that's bound for the recycling can and have fun.

Make sure you check out these other Create Daily posts:

• Handwriting Practice
• Something Changed
• Something New
• Inspiration Boards
• In Print
• the Written Word
• White paint resist
• Inspiration
• Black & White
• Leftovers
• 1 Day 1 Medium
• White pen resist
• Go Small
• Doodles
• Stamped

have you created something this week?  Anything goes...doodle, scrapbook page, art journal, card...just something creative.  Share a link at the bottom of this post with the inLinkz button.  Just leave a link to a specific blog post or image on flickr, rather than a general url. This way we can see your stellar creation.