WonderWanda.....art & more

A New Video

2012-01-22T19:23:00.000-05:00

Had a fun snowy day working on a newTorn Paper Painting video.
All the photos I used in this one are from the photos I took for a Cloth Paper Scissors Magazine project. I did all these shots of one of my works in progress and their staff created a stop action video for their new eMag...Colorful Collage.
While they did a lovely job and it was fun to see it in the finished eMag....I decided over the last several months that when I had a chance I'd use those photos and put one together myself.....one that was a bit slower to allow for seeing the steps a little easier. Still only about 2mins....but it's slower than the first version. Enjoy!!

Reeled In

2012-01-17T11:07:00.000-05:00

I feel as if it has been ages since I've had some good quality art time. Of course, there was the trip to Paris, then the holidays took priority, and most recently time has been spent helping my mother-in-law with the move to her new place. Now...I believe...I've finally found that quiet winter timing to get back into the swing. This past week I got a couple of piece prepped and ready and, after a bit of fighting with this one....I think I've reeled him in. He did put up a good fight....but other than maybe a last minute tweek here or there after I live with him for a few days....I believe this fellow is done!! I've done koi and goldfish numerous times in the past...but this is my first "game" fish. A bass. I think I may try catching some other new fish after this one!!

I've given you the "before & after" here. As you can see...the drips on the underpainting are unimportant as the entire fish gets covered in the paper. The underpainting is simply the road map.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T15:34:00.000-05:00

I hope the new year is filled with joy and happiness for all.
This past year was one of great highs as well as extreme lows for most of my family. We all held tight and got through it. I know we all have to take the good with the bad and there are lessons in each for all of us....nevertheless....it is sometimes really difficult to understand this in the moment.
I am hopeful that we will all find more of the positives coming into our lives in this new year.
Time to set goals, look ahead, and start to move forward.
Hug all your loved ones and never take a moment for granted.
May there be much peace and happiness this year! ♥

Holiday Lights

2011-12-20T22:40:00.000-05:00

Thought I'd share some of the holiday ligts from Paris. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised to see that Christmas is not as retail hyped there as it seems to be here. While there were lovely light displays here and there, the season was far more low key than here. We seem to be much more "in your face" about it.
That said....here's some pretty lights....including one video...because I LOVED the way these lights "moved".

Latin Quarter

Artists Square at Montmartre

Boat on the River Seine

Like bubbly champagne glasses!!

Colorful Inspiration

2011-12-14T12:50:00.000-05:00

Paris offered much in the way of beautiful colors!! The most colorful of these were their cookies...macarons!!

Aside from being yummy.....they were a feast for the eyes! Beautiful just to look at.

One other bit of unexpected color I discovered was Santa....wearing beautiful "blue & gold".

A Monumental Event

2011-12-11T22:07:00.001-05:00

I returned home just last night from a most amazing trip...to Paris!!!
This came about mainly due to my husbands job. The company was to send him as a reward for his work...and I was, happily, given the trip to join him as well. He's a yacht broker and the main boat he sells is built there in France. So, he got to tour the companies factories as well as attend the huge Paris boat show.
In the week long schedule we were given they made sure to allow for plenty of free sightseeing time....which we took full advantage of!! We got to see more than I ever imagined in that week, even with having two of the days in France spent out on the coast.

One of the biggest highlights was getting to see the Eiffel Tower! Let me tell you...it is more amazing in person than you can even imagine. I was totally awestruck by this breathtaking vision!

Once every hour, on the hour, the tower sparkles in a showstopping light show. This took place just as we arrived. So...as the first thing I want to share with you from my pics on this trip, it's the video I shot as the light show began. A moment I won't soon forget.

Never gets old!!

2011-11-21T22:52:00.000-05:00

Nope....I have to admit it. Every time I see my work in print in another ad for the Cloth Paper Scissors new Emag...I get a bit giddy. I know..I know...it's not the first time I've been in print....

and with any luck...not the last. But let me tell you....it's always a pure delight every time I see it.
As any artist who has tried to get their work known can tell you....marketing is almost a full time job in itself. While I may work many many hours on my pieces...I work just as many hours getting myself out there. So, it's just wonderful every time you get to see how much progress has been made.
Cloth Paper Scissors has been amazing to me in that regard. These ads have been running in all their print magazines and I can't tell you how many of their email newsletters have had one piece or another of my work and sometimes refer to them directly. CPS....Thank You!!!

Vintage inspiration

2011-11-05T21:42:00.000-04:00

I was recently asked if I would again contribute a piece of art to the Fall River Historical Society for their annual fundraiser. Since I had very much enjoyed doing one for them last year, I had no problem saying yes again.

While we do not have to do a piece that has anything to do with historic sites around the city...I do feel that when I can, this is an added bonus. Last year I created a 5"x7" Torn Paper Painting of one of the historic lighthouses. This year it was the carousel that caught my attention.

This beautiful Lincoln Park Carousel at The Battleship Cove was built in 1920. It used to be in an amusement park that I often went to while growing up, so it holds many memories for me. It now sits on the waterfront in a building made just for it.

Our required size for this years piece is an 8"x8". Here is my horse. While at the carousel taking photos of the horses to work from I also took a video of the entire carousel. See if you can spot the horse of my inspiration!

A Sassy Siren

2011-10-26T10:19:00.000-04:00

Having started this piece a while ago, I was delayed in finishing it due to having my back act up for over a week. When I work I like to stand. So, needless to say, I couldn't stand for long periods of time this way.

I'm glad to say that this is on the mend and I finally managed to finish my first mermaid.

I'm really pleased with the way she turned out.

As my husband pointed out...she looks a bit "sassy" with the shorter blonde hair instead of the long flowing hair that is usually associated with mermaids. I have to agree.

I have a feeling there will be other sirens of the sea turning up now and then!

Workshop

2011-10-19T12:33:00.001-04:00

Still time and spaces available for the next workshop.
Class starts 11-11-11 What an easy date to remember!!!

Be sure to register...Now!!!

Flip Flops

2011-10-07T13:05:00.000-04:00

Having done a number of "Beach Toy" pieces with a pail & shovel....I switched it up just a bit by adding another one of those summer icon images...Flip Flops.

Honestly..is there anyone who doesn't have a pair of these in one or more colors during beach season? Nope...didn't think so.

Here is a shot of some of the work in progress. Fun to see it come together.

A fun visit

2011-09-28T13:41:00.001-04:00

Today I received a visit from a dear art friend, Terri, aka Pringle Hill Studio. Having been "online" art friends for a long time...this was only our second "in person" visit, but really, you'd never know it.

Terri has this warm bubbly personality that anyone who has met her before will be able to confirm. It was such fun to see her again. She and her husband were doing a road trip and going sooo close to my area that there was no way we could NOT get together!!!

We had met in person for the first time at another art friends house, Roc, a year ago. It was amazing how quickly people could feel like old friends from what they already knew of each other before ever meeting.

Having Terri here was such fun. It's always a treat to see someone's space and where they create and it was great fun to show her mine. I know that whenever I've seen another artists space, I picture them working there when I see new pieces.

Terri....we've both seen Rocs space and now you've seen mine. I hope sometime in the future I can travel down your direction and see where you create your stunning artwork as well.

Be sure to come back and visit anytime you're in the area!!

And.....thanks for the deli paper. You rock!!!

Fall Adult Classes.....sign up now!

2011-09-25T13:48:00.000-04:00

Be sure to sign up early for classes at ArtWorks!!!

Another version

2011-09-11T21:27:00.000-04:00

Click HERE for Download

Just wanted to pass along some information on the new eMag...Collage in Color.... from Cloth Paper Scissors.

They have now created an iPad version and you can get the new downlond at the iTunes Store. How exciting. You're going to love the interaction in this eMag...so much more than you can get from a print magazine.
I can't wait for you to see it and look forward to your thoughts.

Some Great News

2011-09-03T19:04:00.000-04:00

After all the sadness that has happened over the last couple of weeks...it's soo good to have a nice positive moment happen.

Some of you may remember that I'd been working on a special project back in June. It was one of my pail & shovel piece. Well....secret is now out. I have been featured in the very first issue of Cloth Paper Scissors eMag....Collage in Color!!!
You will totally LOVE this eMag. It's unlike your regular digital downloaded magazines. It's fully "interactive". You can watch videos...zoom in and out...see slide shows...and more!!

One of the coolest things you'll see is what was created with the pail & shovel piece. The editor had asked me to take photos all throughout the process...and what they created with them was a stop action video....so you can watch as it's being made. Cool indeed!
There are many awesome features in Collage in Color....so be sure to let me know what you think after you've seen it.

A Special Man

2011-08-21T22:33:00.000-04:00

Wanted to take a moment to dedicate this post to my father-in-law...Charles!!

Sadly he passed away yesterday at the age of 81. It was a very peaceful passing which was a blessing.

Chas graduated from Brown University class of 1951. He served in the United States Navy as a Lieutenant on the USS Fletcher DDE 445. He graduated from Harvard Law School. His legal career included private practice at a very large local firm from 1959 to 1989 with a brief interval as Assistant Attorney General of Rhode Island in charge of the civil division.

Later, he maintained a small private practice until he retired in 2000. He worked primarily as an Estate Attorney but was most proud of his pro bono work with the American Civil Liberties Union, defending such rights as pro-choice, Indian land rights, fair housing, police harassment.

He served on many boards including incorporating Hospice Care of Rhode Island, which as it turns out, were the wonderful people to make him comfortable in his final days. The director even came to see him that last day to express their graditude for the part he played for them.

Are we all proud of him...you bet!

Seagulls from scratch

2011-08-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

Ahhh...and you thought seagulls were just those funny little ocean birds who flew into the picture looking around for everything and anything you may have left around!!

Nope...it's not that easy.

I've had a bit of a run on seagulls lately so I had to actually make some more "seagull" papers before I could even make more of those little birds.

The best papers in the shades of gray that I'd been working with were the ones I make myself. Sooo...that was the first part of the process.

The result...my single guy...DB and my fun loving pair...Lucy & Ricky.

Yes...they sort of name themselves as they come to life.

Uncommon Art display

2011-08-07T20:13:00.000-04:00

I payed a visit to my newest gallery last weekend in Bristol, RI.... the Uncommon Art Gallery.

The last time I'd been there was when I had dropped off 10 pieces for them....so I hadn't gotten to see everything up on display. Needed to get a pic of that!!

Most of the fine arts are on the second level.....so that's where seven of the framed pieces are. Downstairs there are three more....canvas beachscapes.

This is such a lovely place. While many folks go to the Bristol Art Gallery or the Hope Gallery because they are in the actual center of Hope Street..... believe me....it's well worth taking a walk a little further down the street to see what's there as well.

You wouldn't want to miss out on some truely "uncommon" art!!!

The Newest

2011-08-01T17:27:00.001-04:00

Just finished dropping off some new work at The Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis. They have been having a great summer there and sold 4 pieces of mine in one day last week.

Because of that....I needed to get the newest pieces I'd been working on down to them to fill that wall.

These are two of the newest that made the trip down today. Bill...the frog, and a pink lotus.

Loved working on both of these.

A lovely surprise

2011-07-24T11:33:00.000-04:00

How wonderful it is to find out over a cup of coffee on a quiet Sunday morning that The Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis, Ma had an awesome day yesterday!!

Seems that one couple came in an bought FOUR of my pieces at once!!! Yay!! I'm soo thrilled that they loved the work that much.

The gallery posted this pic on their FaceBook page!

Woohoo...looks like I better get filling up that wall again....quickly!!

Painting Papers

2011-07-17T14:40:00.000-04:00

Spent a beautiful warm sunny day outside yesterday painting papers to restock my palette.

Living in New England I don't have the luxury of mild year round weather...and I would much rather paint outdoors to keep the art room clean. So, that means grabbing those great summer days as I can get them.

I took all of my rice papers, book pages, etc out with me along with watercolors, acrylics, and some twinkling H2O's for an afternoon of fun!!

Luckily I have a great glass top table that is perfect for this. I can get it wet and messy and simply clean it off with the hose. Can't do that in the art room..lol

As you can see...I got quite a bit done. Now.... I need to find more time to actually do some paper making next. I'm starting to run out of those nice hand made pieces. That too is a messy process, so I'd rather grab some outside time for that as well.

That's also fun because you end up with papers you never even dreamed of creating!! Pure inspiration!

The Jury is in.....

2011-07-13T12:41:00.001-04:00

and the answer is YES. The newest piece....a much larger 12"x24" version similier to a very small lighthouse I'd done earlier this year, has been juried into the Little Compton Community Center Arts Show in RI.

I have to say, this is always one of those art shows that you hold your breath for each year as the jury makes its choice. They can be really tough.

Well....I can now breathe. It's in....and the opening is Friday evening and runs through the weekend.

I can't wait to go and see what other amazing work has been included. The tough jury does make for an outstanding art show.
If you're in the area this weekend....be sure to stop in!!

I have added this pic for you to see three stages of it's developement....underpainting, mid way, and finished.

Harry & Sally

2011-07-10T19:11:00.000-04:00

Yep...that's their names. For some reason, the moment I finished working on these two, that's what I looked at them and called them....sooo...guess that's what they wanted. Who am I to argue...lol

Well....they now have a new home!

I finished working on them the night before I was due to drop off a piece of work for the local art group show.

Today I went to the art show late this afternoon as it was ending figuring I would be picking these guys up to take home....after all, they hadn't even had a full day of living at my house yet. When I walked in I discovered that they had already found a new home to fly off to!! The couple who purchased them had let them stay in the show until the ending...so I was lucky enough to be there to meet them when they returned. What a lovely couple they were. We had a nice chat and I was able to answer all their questions about my process and point out a few tidbits in the piece to them as well.

Soo...looks like Harry & Sally will be a couple of happy birds. Guess it was all for the best that I didn't get time to bond with them :)

PUBLISHED

2011-06-28T10:58:00.001-04:00

YES....you read it right! I'm Published!!!

My work was given a two page spread in the July/Aug issue of Somerset Studios magazine in an article called "Painting with Paper".

I am just sooo thrilled to be included in this upscale national publication. I didn't want to break the news until the issue got closer to actually hitting the magazine racks.

Well...now that I have copies in my hand and others have mentioned seeing it....it is time to spread the news!!

The pieces that have been used in the article are actually available at The Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis, Ma.....so that's a really great thing for them!!
Hope you all get out there and find yourself a copy!!

Uncommon Art

2011-06-25T10:11:00.000-04:00

Yes....not only do I think the word "uncommon" is a good one to describe my art, but, as it turn out, it is also the name of the new gallery I am in.... Uncommon Art Gallery in Bristol, RI.

What a really lovely space this is. Two floors of the most interesting and unusual work. I looked around at numerous galleries in the area, some of which were really quite nice, but was more taken by this slightly out of the way but delightfully charming place than anywhere else.

It is right on the main road...Hope St....but set slightly back from the B&B in front. Very near the water.

If you find yourself in the area this summer it would most certainly be worth your while to take a stroll over there. Click on the link above and I think you'll agree!!

If you're lucky...you may even meet Destiny!

End result....almost

2011-06-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

Since I'd shown you an earlier pic of this piece when it was just being worked on, I thought it only fair to show you the end result...of the piece....not the project.
The project this was made for will have to wait till about the end of the summer to be revealed...but it will be worth the wait.
Until then, here's the finished piece.

A family & friends weekend!!

2011-06-13T10:53:00.000-04:00

You have to love a weekend filled with parties, friends, and family. On Saturday we traveled with two of our friends to the farmhouse owned by other friends of ours.The theme for this party was much like that of the Kentucky Derby party.....this one was for the Belmont.It was the first time we'd been to this farmhouse, built in the 1800's. Beautiful old New England.
The property has the largest hickory tree you could imagine. There is also a pond and waterfall to complete the setting!! Once inside my eyes fell onto the stove of my dreams!!!! Always wanted a kitchen with a stove like that!!

One of the other guests there was the brother of our hostess. His name is Jay McMahon ......a magician...and I must say....quite good!!! Just standing around in the kitchen, with no special props at all, he did magic that had me quite amazed.....and his sister concerned for her silverware...lol. If you ever have a chance to see him or book him for an event...you won't be dissappointed.
What a great night that was....loads of friends, food, and fun.

The next day, and second part of our weekend was to drive back toward home to the river house to help celebrate my in-laws 60th anniversary!!! Such a sweet and wonderful couple and such a great family they have created. I'm thrilled to have become part of it. Bev & Chas.....may you have many more happy years !!!

And just look at this...we have my brother-in-law and hubby in the kitchen cleaning up!! Yep, men in the kitchen.....the perfect ending to a fun filled weekend.

Work In Progress....

2011-06-05T15:08:00.000-04:00

Yes.....I'm still here and still creating!! I've been in the middle of a project that I can't talk about just yet...but I'm excited!!!!
You'll just have to wait to hear about it. This pic of the work in progress is actually a peek into the secret project.
Yes..I know...another beach pail. However, this one is much larger, 12x12, than the others which were all 6x6. There is also something else about this one.......opps....can't tell you any more....LOL
Well...just checking in to let you know I'm still around and will show you more later ;)

Workshop Complete!!

2011-05-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

Just finished a two day workshop on Torn Paper Paintings. It was held at the Fall River Art Assoc. I had a lovely group of students all eager to learn the process.

The subject I decided to assign was for them to pick a "simple subject" of their own choice. Well...as we discovered...."simple" has a different definition to everyone....lol We spent much of the first day going over details of the process and creating some of the painted paper they would each need for the personal subjects. Everyone still managed to get a good start on their piece before that day was over. The second day they all jumped back into their creations and we worked until well past the "planned" end of the class...lol

Love how everyone's work came out.....but to view them all....you'll have to go the Torn Paper Paintings FaceBook FanPage!
You won't be disappointed. Go...check them out!!!Enjoy!!

Derby party

2011-05-08T23:12:00.001-04:00

Yesterday, as you all know, was the Kentucky Derby. We have friends who take this very seriously....party wise....and a big time horse race is as good a reason for a party as any!! :)

This is also, I might add, a good reason to dress up....derby style...lol

While I may have broken out my big hat...my husband, Mark, went one step further with this awesome yellow dress jacket which had once belonged to his grandfather!! Doesn't he look the full part of a cool southern gentleman? :)

Let the mint julips flow folks!!!

First Workshop

2011-04-27T10:59:00.001-04:00

I had been asked a few times in the past if I would do a Torn Paper Painting workshop. Not feeling quite ready to do that at those times I kept turning down the idea.
Well....yes...it's time. My very first Torn Paper Painting Workshop will be held May 20 & 21 at the Fall River Art Association.
If you're in the area at this time....book a spot. I'd love to meet you :)

Back at it....finally

2011-04-16T19:45:00.000-04:00

After what seemed like forever that I was sick with a bug and unable to do much of anything....I'm back !!
I had sketched this piece out and done an underpainting ages ago...but was unable to get to it until now. As I felt better I would go to the art room each day and see how much time I could put in on my feet. Every day I made a bit more progress. Last night...I finished it!! Varnish and all.
Today I took a drive to The Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis and brought some new work to freshen the wall for the upcoming season! Jen just actually purchased the building and it's looking really beautiful!
Since this little piece was ready to go...I took it along, as well as some of the new beach toy pail & shovel pieces and the cabanas. The walls are about to have "summer" written all over them!!
I'll post a few progress shots of the lighthouse on the Torn Paper Paintings FaceBook Fan Page soon, as I did with a few other pieces recently.

Beach Cabanas

2011-04-03T13:54:00.000-04:00

I never seem to stray too far from the beach. I've gone from beach toys to beach cabanas!
Wasn't sure how long it would take me to finish this one since I found myself with a sinus infection while half way through. It did slow the progress, though not that much.
I'll be putting a few progress shots of it on the FaceBook Fan Page.
I included one messy shot of the work table here while I was trying to plan out the papers for the sand.

I'll be putting it back on the easel for a day or two before I varnish it. I always do that so I can see if anything jumps out at me that wants to be changed.
Now....on to the next piece!!

Polka Dots

2011-03-21T22:04:00.001-04:00

OK....so maybe I did have one more of these left in me...lol

Guess I can always start a new subject tomorrow.....maybe.
Anyway, I really do like this one. Instead of a solid color pail, I decided on a cute little retro looking polka dot one! Added a bit of the water to the background as well.

More toys

2011-03-16T12:02:00.000-04:00

In an effort to be ready for the upcoming summer season, which I can't wait for after such a long winter, I've been busy with more of the "beach toy" series. Here are a couple more I can share with you. I've gotten great feedback on these and expect them to do quite well.

I may break from them soon for a few other pieces I have prepped and ready to go. Who knows...maybe yet another series coming??

It's fun when you get on a roll with a series of pieces that you enjoy doing. Helps to keep focus for a while and takes some pressure off of trying to figure out what the next subject will be.

Paper making

2011-03-07T18:51:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I attended a fun and informative paper making demo at the Westport Art Group. The instructor was Wayne Fuerst who is not only a paper maker, but a cool potter as well. The pic of one of his beautiful papers!!

I've been making some of my papers for my Torn Paper Paintings...and I learned a number of new and cool interesting tips and tricks to play with. This was a great two hour program. Thanks Wayne for sharing your insight.

A little zen

2011-03-01T11:32:00.000-05:00

Sometimes between my Torn Paper Painting projects I like to fit in a little bit of something else just to break things up and gain a fresh eye.

Having played a number of times with zentangles, which of course are just elaborate doodles we did as kids, I noticed that many many people were doing what they referred to as zendalas...making their doodles in a round form to mimic a mandala. How pretty.

This looked like just the project I needed to do a little personal "re-boot" so that I could come back to the paper paintings all refreshed.

Summer Fun

2011-02-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

....or at least that's what it looks like in my art room!!
I enjoyed making that first sand pail & shovel so much that I've done two more. What a darling set they make. I'm quite sure there will be more to come.

I can already see the direction that the new season will take....and I like it!

Beach Toys

2011-02-12T23:02:00.000-05:00

Staying with the "coastal " theme....but taking a break from the beachscapes, I decided to play with toys! Beach toys. I just finished this 6"x6" canvas of a pail & shovel. I enjoyed this one so much that I'm thinking of making a series small beach toy pieces.

I did this one slightly different than I usually do. I created the background by putting down all the different images, text, music, etc...then going over the entire thing with a pale blue wash to unify it.
From there I continued the usual process of the torn paper paintings.

More Boats

2011-02-08T17:58:00.001-05:00

Just finished another beachscape...this one is 12x24". Nice big size.

After having done the two pieces with boats in them for the Boston Childrens Hospital (see previous post), I liked the idea of adding that element in more often.

Along with the boats I popped a few birds, gulls, flying overhead. Not sure if the pick will allow you to see all three boats as well as the birds....but you get the idea.

Now that this one is finished....I need to do something a little different. Love the beaches...but may take a short break from them. Hmmm....we'll see.

Big BIG News!!!

2011-01-29T12:25:00.000-05:00

One of the reasons I haven’t posted much of my art in recent weeks is that I had been busy creating commission pieces for a very special collection!!

I’d been holding back with the news until everything was officially done and confirmed….because it’s BIG.

Three of my Torn Paper Paintings are now part of a
special permanent collection put together for the new Stetson Building in the Weymouth location of the
Boston Children’s Hospital.

I am so excited and proud to have been asked to take part in the collection.

This is the result of the weekend that I had gone to Boston with my husband to enjoy looking around and seeing the open studios night. The following day while visiting shops/galleries on Newbury St. we ended up at L’attitude Gallery. The owner/art consultant there creates many corporate collections and this location for the Children’s Hospital is the latest. During our conversation, one thing lead to another and before I knew it I was being asked to create work for this collection!

I had the chance to see the new building last week when I took the art up to them and it’s looking beautiful. They are preparing the installation of the art at this time and the building is set to officially open in another few weeks.

I hope my pieces put a smile on many little faces in their new location!!

Enough already!

2011-01-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

Yes....another foot...yet again.

We've had more snow this winter than I can remember in a long time. I'm only grateful that I've been really busy in the artroom these days because there are few days that I'm willing to venture out

in this.

Since the sun is shinning on last nights snow (natures way of giggling at us) I thought I'd take a few pics from the sunroom and the front yard by the driveway. Enjoy!!

Yes....that second pic is looking out at the diving board......think spring!

A Brand New WebSite!!

2011-01-12T17:55:00.000-05:00

Yes....a new year, a new site.

Instead of the Torn Paper Paintings being simply a part of my watercolorRus website....they now have their very own site!!

And....to make things even easier....the name of the new website is TornPaperPaintings.com

It is beautifully done and I was able to add more content to it. Sarah, who owns and runs SarahsSimpleSites is my wonderful designer. Thank you Sarah....you did an awesome job!!! Anyone who hires you will certainly get more than their moneys worth!!

Sooo....be sure to check it out. Always happy to hear your thoughts!
PS....I'll be having another HUGE announcement about my Torn Paper Paintings coming up very soon!!
Keep an eye open!

Not Forgotten

2011-01-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

Nope....haven't forgotten any of you. I'm still here and still in the art room. What has been keeping me VERY busy has been a special commission.
Just today I finally finished the background.....so we're well on the way.
I promise I will post pics of it soon!!!

2011

2011-01-01T13:19:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to all of you!!
Hope all your goals and wishes for the new year come true.

Pretty Papers

2010-12-26T19:57:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a photo of some beautiful yummy handcrafted papers I received as a Christmas gift from one of my online art friends.

We belong to an art site and some of us joined a "secret santa" type swap. After giving a few ideas of what would be on our wish list....the names were given out randomly.

My friend Verna received my name and delighted me by filling my wish list of some new handcrafted papers to use in my Torn Paper Paintings!!

Thank you Verna.....they're just lovely!!! I'm sure you'll see some of them showing up in paper paintings very soon!

Merry Christmas!

To All

2010-12-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

A Very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Bigger Bird

2010-12-17T23:48:00.000-05:00

Tis the time of the year when it is hard to get new work done!

I had been really wanting to do one of my seagull in a larger size. With an upcoming appointment with another gallery, I had all the motivation I needed. Just finished this one tonight.

He measures 11"x14". I especially love the fact that most of the body is made from papers I made myself!!

I find that extremely satisfying.

I took the picture below to show the difference between the little tiny ones I'd been doing beside this bigger version.

While the new one isn't huge....it sure looks it next to the little guys.

I'm sure there will be more of these sea birds to come!

The Auction

2010-12-11T13:07:00.000-05:00

The fund raising auction for the Fall River Historical Society is now available for bidding to all...via online. You can check out all the great little 8"x10" artworks that were donated by area artist....and maybe you'll find something you can't resist. Enjoy!!!

An Artsy Weekend

2010-12-05T23:02:00.001-05:00

Just had a delightful time this weekend in Boston. Went up on friday for the the "First Friday" open studios they do each month. We had a chance to see sooo much lovely art and enjoy so many wonderful artists spaces!! It's always fun to see the space where an artist creates their work. The SoWa artist guild has a vast number of working studios and such a great space. We walked around until we simply couldn't any longer....lol

The next day...before coming home, we walked around the galleries/shops on Newbury St. I ended up meeting a gallery owner/art consultant who became interested in my work after we'd talked a while and we'll be making contact again this week!!! You just never know!

While walking down Boylston St I discovered giant Christmas ornaments strewn about. Hmmm....wonder how that would look in my yard....lol

Ssssh....secret santa

2010-11-22T17:39:00.000-05:00

I've been sooo very busy lately that I haven't gotten as much art done recently as I'd like. The holidays have a way of doing that.

However, I am happy to say that I've finally managed to get my "secret santa" package ready to mail.
It is off to one of the other members of the art site I belong to. Sooo....as you might imagine....the little goodies inside are....yes....art related!
I just received a beautiful package today from my santa and I'm holding back...yes I am....from opening it up. I'm honestly just enjoying looking at it! Isn't Christmas fun!! :)

My Contribution

2010-11-13T18:05:00.000-05:00

After my Torn Paper Painting of the Koi appeared as a full front page on one of the local newspapers I received a request from the local Historical Society. Last year they ran a fundraising auction called "Palette Pictures" and many local artists had done a painting for this on an actual wooden palette. I hadn't heard of this event before, but sounded wonderful.

I was told they would again be holding the auction, Palette Pictures II, but the art would be created this time on a 5"x7" canvas. Seems that my koi had sparked an interest and they decided to contact me to see if I'd be willing to create something for them.

Every year I do a number of pieces for fundraisers of one sort or another as I can fit them in. Feels good to give back.
So, I took on the task.

I wanted a piece that would be directly connected to the area. Since I'm usually geared toward the coastal scenes...one of our delightful little lighthouses came to mind, the Borden Flats Light. If my research is correct, it started it's working life in 1881.
This was such fun to work on. So much history.

The city had also been know back then for the Old Fall River Cruise Line.

I was lucky enough to run into some darling little vintage looking cruise images which I gave a sepia coloring to and have added them to the base of the lighthouse. When viewed without knowing it is actually quite subtle...but there.

I will deliver this piece next week and am hopeful that someone will want to take it home to enjoy!

Another teenie one

2010-11-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

Something sooo tiny shouldn't been sooo much work, but it most certainly is. Not quite sure if I'll do another one of these or not.....we'll see. Having fun experimenting with these little canvases.

A Tiny Piece

2010-11-02T10:40:00.000-04:00

With the holidays coming I wanted to play with the idea of some little torn paper pieces that could even be used as ornaments.

I found these tiny little canvases that are 2 3/4" square and started to experiment. I wanted something that would not simply be a christmas theme, but something that would also work year round.

Staying within my usual coastal theme, I decided to make the first one a seagull.

This was really fun and a bit of a challenge to work this small.

Hope to try a few other designs.

ART - Home Delivered!!!

2010-10-25T10:31:00.000-04:00

Front page!!
Yes....what an exciting start to the day.
One of our local papers, The Herald News, is trying to bring more art to the public and has begun a week called "Reality, Illustrated" in which one piece of art is used for an "extra" front page, called a wrap, each day this week.
My "torn paper painting" koi was chosen as the first piece this week. My photo and short bio also appear on the "actual" front page as well.
Home delivered art...what a great idea!!

Torn Paper Paintings now offered Online!!

2010-10-22T18:11:00.001-04:00

My store page

Today marks the beginning of a brand new venture with my Torn Paper Paintings.
I was contacted recently by someone who had discovered my art in a gallery. It turns out that this person owns and operates an online store called "Ocean Offerings" that specializes in products with the coastal theme.

She explained that she was interested in adding my art to her shop. What a nice surprise that was!

Store front page

We met to discuss how this would work and after taking care of what details needed to be tended to, I am now proud to announce my new association with this very cool online store.

I hope everyone follows the link above (as well as in the sidebar) to see all the cool items she sells.

Thanks Melinda....I look forward to working with you!

Double Koi

2010-10-17T19:16:00.001-04:00

Well....I'm delighted to have finally completed a piece I've been working on for a while now. It's the first of my fish pieces to be done on the canvas.

My subject matter was drawn from photos I'd taken while visiting my friend Roc back in June. She has a wonderful little koi pond with some of the biggest koi fish I'd seen anywhere. I must have taken a hundred shots of them while standing on the little bridge that goes over the pond.

For this piece I combined fish from two different shots. I also decided that for this particular piece I would leave the underpainting in the upper left hand exposed since it seemed to add to the overall effect of the water.

Hope to make more from these lovely creatures. Roc....thank you for sharing your inspiration!

New Works

2010-10-12T12:21:00.000-04:00

Been very busy in the artroom lately. Just finished and delivered a nice batch of new torn paper painting works on canvas to Collyer's Gallery in Mattapoisett, Ma.
If you're in the area.....stop by and have a look!!

Beaches everywhere

2010-10-03T16:01:00.000-04:00

There has been such a demand for torn paper beaches that my art room is overflowing in the theme.

As you can see here...there's always a batch of beachscapes hanging on my easel....with more that you can't see in the works on my drafting table.

I'm almost caught up and have some new pieces all sketched out and ready to start playing with....can't wait.

Visitors Center

2010-09-29T14:00:00.004-04:00

Just returned from delivering some Beachscape artwork to the Visitors Center at Heritage State Park in Fall River, Ma.

The local art association invited a small group of members and resident artists to display at the building throughout the month of Oct.

It's a really lovely spot...great walls, great light, and right on the water!

There will be a festival there on the grounds this weekend starting tomorrow. If you're in the area...you should certainly stop by!

I'm Back

2010-09-27T13:18:00.008-04:00

Feels as if it has been a while since I've posted. I have been sooo busy with making my canvas paper pieces. I have numerous requests for them and have been working almost non-stop. Not complaining mind you....I'll take this anytime!

I did manage to just spend a weekend away at my in-laws river house for the annual "girls weekend". It's a get-together with friends each year for a little fun and a great recharge!

Since I've got so much work to do as well...I decided to bring some of my smaller canvas pieces along with me that I'd already started as well as several bins of papers in my most used colors.

I did manage to make a bit of progress while still enjoying the view....and a great bit of inspiration that view is too!!!

Not a bad little spot to work at all :)

Full Display

2010-09-18T09:25:00.005-04:00

A few days ago I made a trip to the Little Beach Gallery in Hyannis with my new pieces that I'd been creating on canvas. They have had a collection of them as I'd been doing them previously, framed under glass. The owner was quite excited to see the new works.

Well....it's always a pleasure to take a drive through the Cape on a lovely day....but an even greater pleasure to see the reaction my new work received.

The only problem it created was in deciding what she wanted to keep and what to send home with me. In the end....only one left the gallery!

This is a pic she took later that day after arranging the two styles together. There are actually a couple more pieces in another spot as well.....so I must say.....I've got a pretty awesome Torn Paper Painting display there right now!! Thanks Jen!

A Warmer Place

2010-09-13T09:42:00.002-04:00

Here in New England, as the weather begins to get cooler, my thoughts seem to be going to a warmer place.

Yes...it's still at the beach....but a warmer one right now.

Instead of the usual dunes.....this one has gone in the direction of palm trees!!

Ahh...love palm trees :)

Vineyard light

2010-09-08T10:30:00.009-04:00

Using a photo I'd taken in Martha's Vineyard, I just finished my latest Torn Paper Painting.
I've included a close up of the lighthouse to see some of the text that has been incorporated. There are some other little surprises throughout....but I'll leave those for the folks who see it personally! :)

And the Winners are........

2010-09-05T18:36:00.002-04:00

Mark & Sarah!!!!
Every other weekend at our beach club there is a Beetlecat race. The final race of the season is always the Sunday of Labor Day weekend....the race that there is actually an award for.
My husband and daughter had a really good season this year with their boat coming in first a few times. For those races a ribbon is given.
The labor day race has the honor of getting a plaque, or rather, custody of a plaque for the year....to be given to the winners of the next years race.
They've had this honor a few times in the past....so their names are already on there in several of the spots!
It's been a while now since we've had custody...but it came home today!!
They raced an awesome race and led by a huge length!
Congrats you two.....I've never seen a better team!!

A New Addition

2010-09-01T12:37:00.005-04:00

Has been added to the collection of fabrics using my Torn Paper Paintings!!
I've just reviewed and made available my cupcake titeled "Unwrapped". The colors are amazing in this one.
I've now sampled them in two different fabrics. While the "quilting weight" is quite nice and very general purpose....the "linen-cotten canvas"....amazing!!

Artwork now on Fabrics

2010-08-25T12:28:00.004-04:00

Well....I've been playing around with the idea of having my art on other items. A natural next step for any artist looking to get their images out there.
My first step in doing this has been to create mirror image patterns of my torn paper paintings on the Spoonflower site. (Link is also in fabric image in upper right on blog)
I've just gotten done approving the first couple of samples from them, so I now have two images available....a koi and lobster. There are a few more in the prep stages yet that will be added a bit later.
This is also great fun for anyone who wishes to create items of their own designs as well.

Backyard inspiration

2010-08-23T13:40:00.005-04:00

Every year at this time I am given a close up view of some beautiful waterlillies. Out back in my pond we get a vast number of lily pads and beautiful white lotus flowers.

I've taken sooo many wonderful shots of them from the dock thinking I may use them in my art one day.

Well....I finally got around to it. Decided to give them a try in my torn paper painting. I do hope to make more...but here is the first.

My rice papers lent themselves beautifully to a large part of it.

A new inspiration

2010-08-19T10:24:00.003-04:00

Just when you think you've seen all the variations on paper painting...you find another.
As I was having my morning coffee yesterday I turned on a cable channel for a bit of early news...and there it was...a segment on artist Derek Gores.
I have no idea how I've missed his work until now.....it's just wonderful.

He has a technique which is almost a controlled AND random act that becomes a detailed portrait!!
His work has many beautiful portraits which include several of Obama over the last few years!
Click on his name....I've added the link. When you see the front page....watch that slide show. You will be quite impressed as the picture changes from something which looks like nothing...to a great piece of work.
Beautiful beautiful work. Thanks for the inspiration Derek!!

Weekend fun

2010-08-09T11:52:00.006-04:00

I went to visit my daughter for the weekend and we discovered that the same Marketplace Festival was going on that we had discovered by accident last summer. It is sponsered by the Ma Horticultural Society...and the grounds are just beautiful!

Thought I'd share a few of my favorite pics. The giant red chair is a favorite of ours...and the tree trunk you see just looks soo goddess-like to me! Maybe it's "mother nature".

A Little Zen

2010-08-03T13:01:00.003-04:00

As with anything you do all the time, you need to take a momentary break from the daily routine. Same is true with my daily work on my torn paper paintings.

With a new batch of trades coming up for the month on my online trading group, I took the time to create this months bookmark theme....zentangles.

It is such an enjoyable and "zen" like process. No, I've not taken their classes or bought the kit or any such thing. Honestly, it is really more of an organized elaborate doodle.

I must give them credit for giving a name to something many of us have been doing since childhood and getting it out there for others to enjoy.

Give it a try....the results are sometimes surprising!

Evolution

2010-07-29T17:41:00.003-04:00

As with all things, there is a natural progression and evolution.

This is now true with my art pieces as well. I have been doing my torn paper art on a heavy 200lb watercolor paper and then framing them under glass with spacers between the art and the glass. A very time consuming process to say the least.

I have wanted to experiment a bit more to find a process I liked that would allow for less framing time and more art time.

I may have it. Stretched canvas.

I've just tried my first experiment with this and I like the effect. This beachscape is on a stretched canvas. With the protective coat of varnish over the work it is able to skip the framing.

I quite like the less formal look of this and the more casual "beach cottage" feel.

Onward....more experiments to come!

Little Beach

2010-07-24T13:07:00.004-04:00

Thought I'd show you a picture of my most recent "little" beach.

There's just something about the coloring and the textures in this one that I like quite a bit. May be be one of my most favorite little pieces so far.

My Own Papers

2010-07-20T16:42:00.009-04:00

Spent a lovely day today making papers. I'm still quite interested in making more of my own hand made papers for using in my torn paper paintings.
I had a great time experimenting with different papers and inclusions....not to mention the different thicknesses.

The greenest paper you can see here in the bottom row has pink added to it, which I did with some pink slurry I'd had from a previous day of experiments. I dropped the pink into the vat before pulling up the mould.

For some of the pieces you can see fibers from adding pieces of raffia to the mix.

Making paper is a bit of a messy process...but doing it on a hot summer day isn't all that bad!!

Month of Shows

2010-07-14T11:13:00.004-04:00

Every July I can count of things getting pretty busy. This year is no exception.
Seems all the art venues want to have openings during the month....but at least I'm ready for them!!
Soo....my art show schedule is as follows.....

A group show at ArtWorks Gallery - theme-
"The Edge" Juried Exhibit
384 Acushnet Avenue
...Downtown New Bedford, MassachusettsDates: July 17 - September 4, 2010
Opening reception: Saturday, July 24th 3-5pm
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 12-5 pm

Little Compton Summer Art Show
Community Center - Little Compton Commons
Artist reception: Friday, July 16th 6-8pm
Gallery Hours: 17th & 18th 10-4pm

Westport Art Group - Community Show
Preview Party: Thurs. July 22nd 5-7pm
Gallery Show runs July 23rd - Aug. 1

Great Blue

2010-07-12T10:32:00.004-04:00

Just as I was getting some art pieces ready to take over to an upcoming show, I looked out the window and saw a visitor on the dock. A Great Blue Heron.
I've seen them visit the dock before, but they always catch me trying to take a pic and they fly away.
Guess I was just quiet enough as I creeped behind some bushes on the far side of the pool and set my zoom so I didn't have to get too close.
Managed to grab one shot before he caught on and decided to leave. Wish I could have set the camera to movie mode fast enough to catch his flight. The wing span and the sound he makes would have been terrific to get.
Maybe next time I'll just have it set to movie mode and let him see me right away!

Unexpected visitor

2010-07-06T19:23:00.006-04:00

Well....it's amazing what you'll see happen at an impromptu pool party where temps crack 100.

With a big pool in the backyard and visiting relatives around on such a hot day...we had the crowd spend the afternoon here to visit and keep cool.

Suddenly...the sound of ice-cream truck music could be heard and one of the kids bolted up the driveway to catch it. Well.....catch it she did..lol

The driver knows a good thing when she sees it and decided to come right on down the driveway and make those goodies available and tempting to the whole crowd...which she had no trouble doing by the way.

Only trouble she had was a little in the "backing up" part. Curves in the long driveway make that a little bit of a challenge. Had to do a little video of that part of it. Certainly made for some entertainment and now all the kids think we're a regular stop for the ice-cream truck...lol

Here it is....

2010-06-26T10:09:00.004-04:00

finally!!! My latest torn paper piece!

After doing so many of my water themed pieces with the beaches and the koi, goldfish, etc...I felt I needed to add a new piece to the mix.

I had started this piece earlier this month,but it took me a while to finish him up since I flew out to visit a friend for a week. I do think I needed that break from this guy at that point anyway!

Living on the coast and having to be ready for the summer art shows, I think this guy will fit in just perfectly.

Not sure yet if I'll give him a little tweek here or there...but for now I think he's done. I never step away until it is actually framed....so I'd better get to that part soon....lol

Friends and Art

2010-06-19T12:12:00.010-04:00

Just flew home yesterday from a week long vist with my dear artist friend Roc. It was such fun to play in her workroom!!!

Talk about a woman who has everything!!

We shopped, ate, played, and had a great time as well getting onto Skype and meeting some of the other gals in our art group.

How much fun it is now to put faces and voices to the avatars on the site.

Everyone I met exceeded my expectations! Guess this means I may need to finally get a webcam of my own so we can visit again.

While I was there at Roc's house, we also had another "in person" meeting from another one of our artist friends. Terri came to spend the afternoon with us!! What a delight she was. Had to take a pic of her with each of us... "terri & roc" in the 1st pic and with me in the 2nd.

We really enjoyed her company. Thanks for stopping by Terri!!

Roc also has this beautiful koi pond in her backyard.....so needless to say, I had to spend quite a bit of time taking pics of these awesome fish.

They were by far the biggest I'd seen yet!

No doubt they will become inspiration for future koi paper pieces!!

Roc...a big thanks to you and hubby for being such great hosts! I had a wonderful time!!

Now that I'm home again I'll be busy working on that special new paper piece I mentioned earlier. Hopefully I'll get that done soon!

Updates soon

2010-06-10T22:15:00.004-04:00

I know I've been MIA for a little while....but I've been very busy. Soo many things going on
as well as a visit to a very special friend.
I've also been working on a new paper piece that is coming out awesome! Soo....there will be
much to update you on when the dust settles.

New book

2010-06-03T18:01:00.015-04:00

In between all the paper pieces I've been working on, I took a bit of time to create a new art journal for myself. On my regular art site we've decided to make a personal book and scan each months page to share with the group.

Having never actually "made" a book before, the idea was a little scary and exciting. I found an old school encyclopedia that I'd kept around for using the pages in my paper art...so I decided to put the cover to use and removed the entire insides. Then, using tinted 140 lb watercolor paper, I cut the pages to size and bound them to the cover in numerous sections using sail cord.

There are enough pages in this book to last for several years making double spread months! Some of the pages have flaps added for interest. I've just gotten started with the first page by getting the background done with watercolors and adding the "day' boxes.

Now the fun can begin!

Smallmouth Grunt

2010-05-27T09:32:00.004-04:00

Odd name...but cute fish.
Having created dozens of fish over the last few years, mostly koi and goldfish, I decided to break out some of my books on tropical fish to find a bit of inspiration for a new one.

This is not exact to the little grunt...but is most certainly based on him.
Some of the areas where there is a bit of iridescence in the paper, don't really show up so well in the pic...but you get the idea.
Nice to have another little fish join my vast group of swimmers!
Hopefully the warm summer beach months will inspire a few more.

Where inspiration comes from...

2010-05-20T15:07:00.004-04:00

I am often asked where I get my inspiration. Now may be a great time to answer this, especially in light of ongoing comments made by a fellow artist, Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Nelson recently at an art gallery where she had a show near my hometown. I was excited to see her work and when I did it was confirmed that she is a fine artist. For those of you who are not familiar with her work, here is a link.
I was happy to see Elizabeth’s work up close and personal because it allowed me to have first hand knowledge that our style of artistry is very different. While her work has more of an oil painting look and feel to it, mine on the other hand has a lighter, softer feel, much like watercolors. She has not seen mine personally and therefore is unaware of the differences that actually exist in techniques.

Other links of inspiring artists that are doing amazing torn paper art can be found by visiting this website. It is simply the most impressive work by an artist in France named Anastassia Elias. Another inspiration to me is Bob Kilvert whose work you can see here.
In addition, take a look at the book called "creative collage techniques" by another inspiring artist doing her variation, Nita Leland. You'll see a beautiful rooster on the cover done in the torn paper style. This book came out in 2000 and is well worth a look.
Eileen Downes is another amazing artist who has done fruits, florals, and even shoes.
Even earlier is children's book illustrator Eric Carle. You may remember the book the hungry caterpillar? That was done in torn paper style as well.
There are other blogs, one called "torn paper art" where a beautiful beach scene is posted.

I wonder if Elizabeth looks to these great artists for inspiration too? I see her work has similar themes running through them.
I am not sure why Elizabeth is posting comments of accusations that I am copying "her" work. As you can see, there is a long history of many artists doing this style of art proving that she has not invented this technique nor does she have ownership of the subject matter of cupcakes, animals, beach scenes, etc. These are simply favorite subject matters of many talented artists. I have not only used these subjects but also many others.

I know I gain endless motivation and inspiration from my vast collection of art books and artists' dvds I have purchased over the years. I find, as anyone can attest to, there is nothing "new", just simply a different spin. I love seeing how there are so many amazing and talented artists out there doing this torn paper art. It reaches so far back that it's doubtful anyone can say where it really started. I believe that this technique may have roots in mosaics. I know mosaics are typically done with bits of glass or tile, etc...torn paper paintings are simply done with bits of paper.
I enjoy seeing what other artists create and I hope you do as well. I guess the short answer is that there is no one moment or thing to answer the question, "what inspires you" because I think the answer is "everything" throughout my life.
Please visit the links I have provided to find inspiration, too.

Paper prep

2010-05-18T17:16:00.007-04:00

It was such a beautiful warm sunny day on Sunday that I decided to build up my stash of painted papers for future Torn Paper Painting pieces.

I took out rolls of rice paper and several old books as well. Sometimes I like to use text or music pages and it's always great if I've got some painted in just the color I need.

I spent the afternoon painting these papers and book pages in watercolors...twinkling H2O's...and acrylics!

As you can see....I've got lots of new pieces to use and didn't have to muck up my art room this time!

Art Video

2010-05-13T15:09:00.006-04:00

I discovered that I had a software available that I didn't realize I had....so I spent all afternoon on Mother's Day creating a video of my Torn Paper Paintings.
I've included music as well as some of my pieces in progress so that you can see how they come to life.
I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think!!

Adding another

2010-05-09T11:46:00.006-04:00

another "gallery" that is!!

Yes, my trip to the Cape last week was quite worthwhile. I now am represented by a gallery in Hyannis.... The Little Beach Gallery. Their entire gallery is beach themed as you might imagine. Quite a nice fit I think, since I do sooo many beachscapes!
I can only hope that they do really well with the busy season just ahead.
Sadly, you'll see in the link that I haven't been added to the online list...yet...but it is coming I'm told.

I still have several other good places in the Cape to follow up on...so maybe I'll get another. I do want to keep them with a good distance between, so even just one more further into the Cape would be good! I'll certainly keep you posted!!

A New Article

2010-05-02T19:00:00.012-04:00

I know...I've been missing from posting recently...but I had been very busy trying go prepare for a trip of several days in Cape Cod to try to find a new gallery to make my art a part of.

I'm a bit determined to get it out there and be seen!!

Well....in my next post I'll tell you how the Cape trip went...but for now...I'll share the article I found in another of our local papers when I returned home late Saturday!

The article was in our Standard Times (South Coast Today). It had originally been timed to come out around the time of the previous article a couple of weeks ago. Delays happened, as they do, and it finally arrived on May 1st. ....very nice way to start the month!

In this article as with the last, there are a few minor mistakes and some wrong timelines and such...but certainly, for the most part....a very well written article! This reporter writes with a bit more color and whimsy, painting a picture for the reader.

In the hard copy, as opposed to the online link above, the page where the article starts has a nice header and my photo. What took my breath away though was the next page that the article continued on! The photos of my work were just beautiful....large and colorful and I loved the way she put the insert pic of the "before" of the goldfish in with the finished "after" shot! Nicely done.

Sooo...although I added the above link, and yes, you can click on the pics in the article for more, I just had to take a photo of the actual paper to give you a feel for what I saw upon my coming home! Thanks Lauren!!

Collyer's Gallery

2010-04-16T13:45:00.006-04:00

I just paid a visit to Collyer's, the gallery in Mattapoisett that is carrying my art right now. I thought it would be fun to bring her a copy of the newspaper article that just came out today about my work. OK....not the best article written...but it was nice to get some press. Certainly there are things that I would have been sure to put into it...such as a little better description about how the art is actually created...a mention of the gallery....as well as my website!!

Oh well....as I said....it was at least nice to get some press...lol

While I was at the gallery I decided it would be a good chance to take a shot or two of the current display of my work. It was great to see it hanging.

Had a nice chat with the gallery owner who was telling me how much attention the pieces are getting. Seems that a lot of people are taking notice. She even had one woman questioning her about having me do a larger commission piece. This was great to hear considering that the busy season around here hasn't even begun!!

A Very Tiny Neighborhood

2010-04-12T18:52:00.004-04:00

On my regular mail art trading site we are creating a tiny "magnet" neighborhood.

All of the little houses or assorted buildings we do can not be any larger than an ATC. They can take on different shapes, but must stay no larger than that. We must create at least five, and each one must also contain some text.

I've just completed my five little buildings. They all started out with a watercolor wash on rice paper and then attached to bristol for strength. The beautiful colors that were left on the rice paper became the main color of the building.

From there I drew in all the details with pens.

I'm looking forward to seeing what little buildings I end up with after the trade. I've been seeing some really fun pieces being made for this swap!

Jewelry break

2010-04-07T19:16:00.007-04:00

Every now and then I need to take a bit of a break from the regular art and when I do, it's usually to do a bit of jewelry.

Here's a few new pieces I decided to add to my Etsy shop. I've been having a lot of fun doing some summer earrings.

Show at Navio

2010-04-05T10:22:00.011-04:00

Over the weekend I attended an art show opening with my husband and daughter. This was a show I didn't want to miss because it is was the Paper Painting work of Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson.

As it has been through the ages with one artist being inspired by another, when I was first moving from watercolor and started working with collage and had begun creating my paper style, I saw Elizabeth's work and was quite inspired.

I'd seen some other's similiar, but her work was quite eye catching! She indeed has her process down.

I was not only interested meeting her that evening, but very much wanted to see her work up close as well.

It was soo interesting for me to see the vast difference in our work this way.

As any painter can tell you, just because you use the same paint as another, doesn't mean the works will look alike.

We both use paper...but honestly...that's where it ends. From a distance one might say that the style is the same, but up close is where that changes.

Elizabeth's work looks soo much like an oil painting! Yes, indeed you know it's paper, but she works in a darker palette of colors and applies her paper in a bolder, heavier manner than mine.

She also works on wood panel and all her wonderful farm animals are framed in barn board frames without glass...again, as oil. They are beautiful to look at and the textures make you keep your hands behind your back because otherwise you're tempted to reach out and touch them!

My paper pieces are quite different in the fact that I come from a watercolor background. My palette is quite a bit softer in color and my application of paper is much lighter. I don't use the wood panel...they are done mainly on 200lb watercolor paper, so I can only push the paper just so far. As for framing...I create a floating mat style for mine and they are framed under glass.

Soo...although they are both Paper creations...one looks like oil and the other like watercolor.

For me, this was great to be able to see in person.

As for meeting Elizabeth, this was a lovely bonus. She was very warm and friendly and we had a long and interesting chat. I was delighted she was able to fly up for the opening.

Elizabeth...it was also great to be able to see that "paper skirt" up close as well!!

It was also nice to find a new gallery, Navio, so close to home. What a lovely job these artists have done with it. I plan to watch for more of their shows and I wish them the best.

A Paper Variation

2010-04-01T10:11:00.005-04:00

I decided to do a little experiment on the usual torn paper painting.

I needed to create a small piece for this months "nature challenge" which is to be a 4"x6" sealife postcard.

Normally the background on the paper pieces are made up of many different pieces of paper the same way the subject of the piece is done. With this one, I decided to change it up a bit.

I'd been painting some rice paper with splashes of watercolors and salt treatments to be used at a later time as torn paper for my larger pieces.

The colors and effects came out soo beautifully and looked so much like water, I decided to simply use a full 4"x6" piece without tearing it for the background on this one and simply do the torn pieces for the fish.

I think the final piece is rather sweet.

New Torn Paper Painting Fish

2010-03-22T19:23:00.002-04:00

Yep...another goldfish. It had been quite a long time since my last goldfish...so I thought it was time to throw another one of them into the collection.

I know that the beachscapes are the big item at the moment...but I kinda like these guys too.

They do take more time and are certainly a bit harder...but the end result is lovely I think.

Happy Accidents

2010-03-15T17:15:00.004-04:00

That's what some of my art teachers would call it when you discovered something wonderful...by mistake.

That just happened to me the other day. I was going to drop some concentrated liquid watercolor onto some rice paper for some colors I wanted to be using in my paper paintings.

The weather has been ugly, so I was doing it in my art room but needed something good and waterproof to put the rice paper on.

I had been given some wallpaper books quite a while ago that were these rather large sheets of vinyl wallpaper. I decided to use those.

I turned the wallpaper over so the most coated side was down, protecting the table surface. Then I got nice and messy with the watercolors. When I was done, I left the room to let them dry.

When I returned and started to pick the rice paper up...the wallpaper was almost as beautiful as the paper I had actually intended to paint!! I couldn't get over it. The colors blended sooo beautifully that, instead of it being something merely to protect my surface, it became something that I just NEEDED to use as well.

Sooo....that was when I decided to make an envelope out of it for the latest mail art swap. The theme for this one was "transportation"...and I think this will work out perfectly.

Don't you just love a happy accident!?!

The Painted Inch

2010-03-13T16:55:00.005-05:00

I don't usually join in too many "Inchies" swaps because...let's face it...doing art on 1"x1" isn't all that easy.

There are, however, some themes that come up that I simply can't resist! Can you even image me not joining a "seaside" themed inchie swap!?! Roc...you had me at "sea"!

Soo...I did little watercolor beach dune inches. Hope I never have to paint on a smaller scale than this!

Koi...a new "direction"

2010-03-10T21:23:00.003-05:00

I decided to give a try to changing the direction that I normally make my koi swim. Seems like a simple thing. After all, if someone wanted to buy two...it would be nice if I had more than one direction, right?!

Well....I finally did one swimming the other way. Wow. What an eye opener it was to do the first one this way.

Being a right -hander, I was comfortable in making them swim toward the right. Never really thought about why I was doing that...just that it seemed natural. I can now understand why being a righty has much to do with that decision. Making this one swim left was waaay harder than I expected. Not a natural move at all.

I'm hopeful that after having broken ground and made my right and left brain work together on this one, it'll get a bit easier to make others.

Big Eyed Gals

2010-03-07T12:31:00.006-05:00

Just recently I took part in an art magnet swap. For the longest time I felt my muse had decided to take a nap every time I tried to come up with something for this. Then, thankfully, this little critter woke up and decided to play!

In my art room I discovered a collection of tiny wooden pieces in different shapes. Always amazes me what I can find in that room given enough time..lol

I started playing around with these pieces and .... after enough moving around of these things the light suddenly went on!! I could see what needed to be done! Yay!

I broke out the acrylic paints and glues and magenets.....and BAM..... my big eyed gals were born!!

New swaps

2010-03-02T17:37:00.005-05:00

A new month brings along brand new art swaps! Yay.

For my Nature Challenge swap I decided the theme would be "mushrooms" this month. They have a bit of whimsy about them. I know that every year in my yard I must see about 20 different types of mushrooms. From the ones that look like sheer lace to others that seem to take on a life of their own.

For this challenge the format is a 3"x3" (trinchie) magnet. Here's mine. I had to take a pic instead of a scan because the mushroom is dimentional from the background. I don't know why but I so often think of red with white dots when thinking of mushrooms...lol

My First Step

2010-02-23T16:44:00.004-05:00

It's my first step to going after my New Year's resolution....to get my art out there and have it finally seen.
Today I went back to the area gallery that had shown an interest in my work, but they'd wanted to see more in the way of "water themed" pieces.
I completed making five new one's on the theme and decided to take them all there to show her so that she could see if she liked them and pick what she'd want to hang.
Much to my surprise....Yes, I still get quite surprised.....she loved them and took them ALL!!
I'm thrilled. I'm officially represented by an area gallery now and feeling confident to move on and find more!!
The gallery is the Collyer's Gallery at the Ropewalk.
OK....gotta go get busy making more art!!!

Little Beaches

2010-02-20T16:18:00.005-05:00

I decided that I needed a few of my torn paper paintings to be on the much smaller side so that the gallery could have a more varied price point.

The beachscapes seemed to lend themselves quite well to this. They will be framed up in the end to what will amount to 8"x10".... much smaller than the usual.

The actual size of the paintings themselves are.... 4"x6" for the top one pictured, and 5"x7" for the

one pictured below.