Day 70: Nothing ventured...

Day 70: Nothing ventured...

I have been struggling with this painting all week. I finally got to the point where I was fed up with it and discouraged (a pain barrier). That's when I finally "let go" -- threw caution to the wind and went for it with a few bold moves. Then the piece finally began to "sing" for me. I'm declaring it finished... for now.

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Day 68

"Six one-minute sketches of Stacey's foot"   Art journal, ink

Within a day or two I should be able to post the painting I have been working on. But for Day 68, all I have to show is a page of quick sketches of my daughter Stacey's foot. One minute seems longer now than it did a few weeks ago, at least when it comes to these quickie sketches!

Day 67

"Hacked"  Art journal, magazine collage

Today my Facebook account was hacked by some scam artist. That seemed to warrant some kind of response.

Day 65: Think Different

"Funky Forest Floor"  Art journal, ink and watercolour

I am working on another forest floor painting (like this one and this one). My daughter Stacey suggested it might be interesting to try something other than the "natural" colours, so I did a quick sketch in my art journal to give that idea a try. Might be interesting.... 

Day 61

Day 61

Part of my project and promise to myself is to do an art journal page every day, even if it's just a doodle. So on days like today, when the painting I have been working on is not ready for "prime time," I guess you'll get the quickie art journal page. 

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Day 60

Day 60

Its being February 29 seemed to deserve some kind of artistic acknowledgement, and the concept of leap year cried out for a magazine collage.

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Day 58

"Kept"  Art journal, magazine collage

Collaging with images from magazines can produce some strange stuff, especially when you're combining Fashion and National Geographic. This piece is... um... open to interpretation. (If you feel like telling me yours, I'd be very interested to hear it.)

Day 57: Old Friends

"Friendship Tree"  Art journal, collage of acrylic on paper

My friend Susan, whom I have known all my life, has a birthday coming up next week, so I thought maybe I should make her a card. I dug out my box of card-making supplies, and in it I found several cards that I made years ago, using thick, multi-coloured swirls of acrylic paint. 

I didn't like them, so I put them in the garbage. But then I thought, "Old dogs! New tricks!" I retrieved the cards, cut them up, and made this collage.

It's not a card, but it's a pretty good metaphor for a lifelong friendship. 

Day 53

Art journal, pencil

Art journal, pencil

Pears are one of my favourite subjects. This one was sitting in the sun on the kitchen counter today begging to be drawn. 

Day 52: Love and Salt

"Folk Night at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville"  Art journal, ink.

"Folk Night at the Moonshine Cafe in Oakville"  Art journal, ink.

I was out playing with One Fret Forward again this evening, this time with my friend Sandra in tow (she sang too; it was great!).

I did a few sketches of performers and listeners, and Sandra added some poetry and thoughts. She wrote: "Music comes from someplace south within us and flourishes with a little love and salt."