Beautiful Journal

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Is this the coolest journal cover ever?  My neighbor, Toni, gave me this book....I love it....it will be filled with my red, white & blue art. 

Off to "Camp"

Tom was home from college for a couple of weeks and with him came all of his "stuff"....where to put it all.  But in his "stuff" he had some of the postcards I've made for him during his college years.  Each card has it's own special memories and "pearls of wisdom" I've tried to share with him as he is on his life journey.  Maybe he'll share them with his children some day and "won't have to reinvent the wheel"!  At any rate, I've enjoyed looking at some of them this week as he headed out for "Camp" yesterday...Camp LeJeune, NC that is....for more Marine Corp training.  Ooh Rah!

Playing with oil pastels...is for the...Birds!!!

This was done using some of the tools I learned at my recent collage/mixed media art workshop.  I do love birds....

Intro Page to my Red, White & Blue Journal...

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 I had to create a "1st Page" for my Red, White & Blue Journal and this is it.....my very first art journal was all about the color blue....I still have a lot of "blue in me".

Red, White & Blue

Memorial Day Memory

How cute is this?  These kids are all in college now, some graduates.  The little drummer, Kait, (3rd from rt) just graduated from Duke where her younger sister, Erica, on the left, now attends.  Emily, in the striped top, went to SMU in TX.   Tom is finishing college this year and, as you all know, is a US Marine.  Tom is in the blue shorts in the front.  All decked out in red, white and blue in the hats they made...wonderful memories...ready for their own parade....

How I Spent My Weekend

I know you're looking at this photo and thinking...what in the world is that?!  Well, it's the most wonderful new art supply that I found out about during the Art Workshop weekend I spent in Lakeville, Ct. That is a photo of a roll of rosin paper....the kind they use on roofs...cheap cheap cheap!  And what we did with it was amazing.

You can't tell the amazing texture achieved ( in the photo on the right) on the paper which we coated with gesso and then used a myriad of simple tools...like bubblewrap, combs, the end of your paintbrush and much more...to achieve a very textured effect on the surface.  Next came the color....oil pastels randomly placed on the paper...no pattern...just literally scribbled on all over the paper.  Then came the elbow grease, blending all of these colors with a paper towel or rag.  That's just the beginning!  Then begins the embellishing...adding collage elements like tissue paper, rubber stamps, feathers, beads, ribbon....you name it....we used it.  This photo is just a small piece of a much larger piece I was working on.

The subject we were all working on was the Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.  She was a wild woman in her day....some might say she was avant garde.  She was definitely colorful.  Her face in the photo on the left is from a painting I did of her and posted on my blog a few postings back.  I have several more of her "faces" on my piece (another below).  It was fascinating to see everyone's work and their interpretation of her....what aspect of her life they chose to illustrate.  Since I'm interested in "faces" lately, I chose to focus on hers and the other thing I was interested in was her clothing...so that part is still a work in progress. 

 A little bit wilder here....but this was a workshop to just let go....let your ideas just go and not be afraid to put anything on the paper.  So now you've seen a "preview" of the Frida Workshop....Lynne Perrella is an amazing teacher.  How lucky to have her do one of her workshops so close to home. 


And here is how I started my day....a walk down to the lake, coffee in hand before gathering at breakfast with the most incredible, creative group of women....imagine, 21 female artists together for hours, creating...and we all worked together so well not only sharing ideas but some of our "stuff" as well!
The person who traveled the farthest to get to this workshop....we met first (my sister and I) and she traveled 14 hours for a weekend workshop!  The most wonderful, fun person...I hope our paths cross again, Sophie!  She is from Brussels and lives in Dubai.  She had boundless energy (the last one in the studio at night) and I can't believe how much she got done.   And Janet....the "senior" member....her handmade books were marvelous.  And Brenna, the bride, who didn't want to miss the workshop and her wedding is this coming weekend!  And Lyle....well....she's just a hoot. I can't name everyone but I really enjoyed all of these incredible people!

 That's all for now.  Just wanted to share with you this great weekend I had.  I've never spent that many consecutive hours devoted to art and I came back so inspired.  Can't wait to do it again!

                                                                                                                              
                                                      










                                                                 
                                                                         

My Favorite Space

Sometimes you find that perfect piece....well the zebra chair is perfect....but in addition to that, I found this hanging organizer and when I saw it in the catalogue, I said...that's it! So, bingo....it's like a piece of art in itself. It holds lots of paints and rubber stamps. My art room is coming along nicely, one piece at a time.   Women have that "nesting instinct" and it definitely transcends to spaces where we love to spend time.
Here's a close-up of the cabinet...

Easter Sunday

Since it's Easter Sunday, I thought I would post a photo I took of a tiny, one room chapel on the property of the Convent of the Sisters of St. Birgitta, in Darien, Ct. The convent is on the Long Island Sound and inside this chapel there is a tiny fireplace....it's just a special place.
HAPPY EASTER

Life Gets Busy

I've been busy...nothing out of the ordinary, but somehow I haven't had a chance to post anything new and interesting on my blog.  The first day of Spring came and went before I realized it.  I do like that Daylight Savings time is here and it's light out when I get home from work. And my taxes are done.   My lawn is a mess and waits for me to "drop some "lime on it and remove the sticks that I keep picking up...there are lots of Spring flowers in the grocery store....like the pansy pictured here.  Pansies always look happy to me and the variety of colors...lush and beautiful. I started an online art workshop several weeks ago, but there just hasn't been enough time to devote to it...it's always about...TIME.  Mostly, I feel a sense of sadness since my young nephew passed the week before Christmas and I think about his Mom and Dad, my brother, and his sister, Courtney.  I can't help but wonder why it was "Brett's time". 

3 - 10 - 10

BIRTHDAY BOY (MAN)

Lance Corporal Tom

I wanted to post a baby picture of Tom, but I'm technology challenged today with my photos...to say they're a mess would be an understatement.  At any rate, Tom would be much happier with this photo than what I would have posted!  The day he was born, they were playing La Bamba in the delivery room...I always think of him when I hear that song.  He's out celebrating with friends tonight....oh to be 22!

Today's Art - More Faces

 

I created this today from techniques I've learned while taking the Sharon Tomlinson online workshop on Faces. This is painted with acrylics on a page in a journal which is made of craft paper that I gesso'd over before I started painting.  Still not the ideal surface when working with wet medium, but I'm pleased with the overall result.  The flowers are collaged on using paper napkins.

A Snow Day! Woof!

 

Boomer waiting expectantly to dash out the door.

Majestic

 

This photo, taken while driving, will never do this scene justice. It's the frozen reservoir around the corner from my home.

Practice, Practice, Practice

 

I'm trying to learn how to do faces and it's very challenging. I can see things I want to fix on the face on the bottom, but because it's already there in colored pencil, no can do.  But at least I know what needs fixing...the eyes in particular.  Shade, shadow, light. 

Frida - Mexican Artist

I painted this 6 x 9" painting today of Mexican Artist, Frida Kahlo.  This is from her diary.  Done in acrylics on watercolor paper.  She's a rather dark, but interesting character.  She liked to paint portraits of herself because she was alone alot.

The Day After Valentine's Day

 

A Park Near My Home

I took my pup, Boomer, for a walk near my home today...enjoying the day off and the beautiful snow.  And I was on a trail where I could look down at the frozen pond  and there, someone had traced a HEART on the ice...definitely had to share.  

Winter Girl - 2nd Painting

This is Winter Girl.  She's pretty good.  I still need to work on the eyes.....

My First Face from the Workshop

This is my first attempt at doing a face in the All Norah's Face workshop.  A face is certainly a challenge and I can't tell you how many times I've gone over it and over it!  But...I'm stopping now because you can "overdo" and I want to try another one...but I should give her a name....

Unforgettable Winter

I grew up in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area and I am really enjoying the photographs that I've viewed on the internet of this snowstorm.  I recall some amazing snowstorms growing up. Love this one especially with the view of the Capitol in the distance.  And the other photographs that I love....are of all of the people who gathered in Dupont Circle for a snowball fight....you may have seen those surfing the net.  It's interesting what brings people out....and together. 

That Special Something....

I've been working on my "art space" and I found the piece that makes it fabulous.  This chair.  I've always wanted a zebra print chair, but never really had the right spot for it.  This was a find.  I love it!  Now I better get creative.

Morning Light & Shadows

Morning Has Broken
Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for them springing fresh from the world
Sweet like rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day
---Cat Stevens

It's interesting where a morning cup of coffee will take you. It's a beautiful, sunny day here in CT and the sun is pouring in from the windows at the far end of my home. I love to look at the "pictures" that the shadows create.
I was sitting at my kitchen table looking out at the bird feeder that hangs off my deck...I wanted to catch a bird at the feeder ( I have a true appreciation for nature photographers and how long it takes them to get "the" photo) and, alas, my camera does not have a good enough "zoom" to even make a bird photo worthwhile.
So....I started looking at the shadows the sun was creating on my deck...the shadows in the snow, the light on the spokes of the railing, the color....I was really absorbed. I was tranquil. I was so appreciative and thankful for having these moments, looking at the light. Take a breathe.
Then say a few prayers. Haiti needs our prayers.

"You Stick To Me Like Glue"

THE SKETCHBOOK PROJECT

I've been participating in an art project found online called The Sketchbook Project from The Art House in Atlanta, GA. (They are moving to Brooklyn, NY). All of the participants are using the same moleskin sketchbooks they provide (you purchase)...but they assign the subject. That's the challenge! A whole sketchbook on one theme. "You Stick to Me Like Glue" was my theme. The top picture is a reflection on my days in Catholic elementary school and the page on the right shows a "board game". As a child, I played many board games with my 3 siblings and I tied in the rosary as it reminded me of a "game board" . The bottom photos in my sketchbook represent things you can't change....your gene pool. You can embellish and improve, but the blueprint is there. The hand shows many of the things found in our "blueprint". I also did pen and ink sketches of my dog, Boomer, and more. These sketchbooks become part of a traveling exhibit and will be first displayed at a gallery in Brooklyn, NY. Kind of fun.

A Star in Heaven - Brett

Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder how you are.
Up above the world so high,
Like a diamond in the sky.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder how you are!

When the blazing sun is gone,
When there's nothing He shines upon,
Then you show your little light,
Twinkle, twinkle, through the night.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star,
How I wonder how you are!

In the dark blue sky so deep
Through my curtains often peep
For you never close your eyes
’Til the morning sun does rise
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder how you are

Twinkle, twinkle, little star
How I wonder how you are

I've changed the words just a little bit in this famous nursery rhyme ...to suit my needs. Brett....if you could just give us a sign every now and then....I won't look at the night sky the same ever again....I'm looking for you.

My nephew, Brett

BRETT SHEA
I learned yesterday morning, that my nephew, Brett, passed away...a phone call I never expected from my brother. He was in the prime of his life, a handsome, 28 year old terrific guy. He lived in California and worked in the entertainment industry. He was due home to spend Christmas in Atlanta. I don't know why these things have to happen, but I know that he is going to be so missed by his parents and sister, Courtney, pictured above and his aunts and uncles and cousins and girlfriend. And I know that I didn't get to see him enough in my lifetime. Love you, Brett.

Gabriel's Message

The Christmas Season

This looks like a Currier and Ives picture. Holiday lights, the snow, people strolling, shopping. Wouldn't you like to stroll down this street? You wouldn't even mind the cold. Keep in mind how blessed you are this holiday season. Remember it's the season to give back. If you can make someone else's holiday just a little bit brighter...why not do it? My son, Tom, who is in the Marine Corp Reserves, was chosen to give a speech this week to businesses here in CT who have donated to their Toys for Tots toy drive. The Marine Corp collects thousands of toys each year for children who would otherwise not receive anything. So....find something. Send a care package to soldiers serving in Iraq & Afghanistan, find out what the children's wing at your local hospital does this time of year & volunteer your time, help your neighbor down the street who is recovering from an illness...WHATEVER it is....just do it. We all have something to give that doesn't have to be purchased.

Been Busy!

THE GUEST ROOM

So it's the holiday season and I've been pretty busy. This Fall, I decided to make a lot of changes around my house and this room was a shared space with all of my art stuff.....no more. I changed my red den into my red art room and painted the guest room and made it a warm and inviting place. My neighbor, Toni, suggested the shutters at the head of the bed and they look great. The window treatment was crocheted by my Dutch friend, Inez, 20+ years ago. They are timeless, special, and I love them. Sorry I can't get the whole room in the photo but you get a sense of the coziness there. It will be occupied this Christmas season!

Boomer Turns One

November 30th is Boomer's birthday. As you can see....he's been recently groomed....he can see! Pictures don't do him justice, because he has the cutest face. And when he runs around the yard, he's very light on his feet....he resembles a horse doing a little trot. He has long legs! All I can say is that he is a sweetheart.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BOOMER!!!

If You Overindulged....

....you may feel like this today!

Be Thankful

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.

---Ralph Waldo Emerson

I went to an Ecumenical service last night at my church with my neighbor. It occurs every year on the eve of Thanksgiving at one of the churches... a time when all of the churches in our small town have the opportunity to worship together. And we listened to the Executive Director of the Food Bank in our state, talk about the needs in our community...the choices that some people have to make....whether to serve their children breakfast or dinner. So, as you move through this holiday season, think about those around you. When you see the collection boxes....try to add a couple of items to your grocery list to help make someone else's holiday a little brighter. How about the Marine Corp's Toys for Tots? I get so annoyed this time of year when I see the commercials for stores opening at ridiculous hours so consumers can "get the best deals"...it makes me wonder what happened to the true meaning of Christmas. Did we learn nothing from the financial crisis that hit last year?!! Instead of "gimme, gimme"...how about GIVE. The gift is in the giving. Peace.

Tom and Ranya going to Marine Corp Ball

Tom and high school friend, Ranya, getting ready to go to the Marine Corp Ball this past weekend. So cute!

Where Does The Time Go....

I am so behind the eight ball....what an expression. Fall is zooming by and I haven't had time to blog. And I haven't painted. And I didn't carve any pumpkins. I did take some days off from work to get some tasks accomplished around here....that always makes me feel good. Not exactly a vacation. So I painted my guest rm, changed my den into my art room and decided to actually use my living rm on a daily basis instead of just holidays. I moved furniture from one room to another. I had "stuff" hauled away, firewood delivered, a plumber here, cleaned closets, had my car serviced and new tires put on (always good as winter approaches) and recently went on an overnight retreat. I'm in no way ready for the approaching holidays and am trying to "wrap my head" around it all. And when your child is all grown up....Christmas is just different...sometimes you'd just like to turn back the clock for just a little bit.

Because I don't have any "new art" to show, I decided to post a photo of Boomer that I took over the weekend. He really needs to go to the groomer, but she's been on maternity leave. So...two more weeks and he'll be able to see better and I'll post a photo in his "holiday do". Actually, he turns one on November 30, so it will be his birthday "do". He's a bundle of energy and so much fun. So...that's all for now!

Home Sweet Home

It's almost the middle of October and I haven't created any new art since I went to the workshop and I haven't taken any photos and I haven't even bought any mums! This photo is from 2008. Where does the time go....life gets so busy.

This is my favorite season, but there's hardly enough time to enjoy it....there are lots of outdoor chores to complete before the snow flies...the biggest of all being the leaf cleanup and here in CT....that's huge in my yard. I have to stop and remind myself to "take a breath"...

I also think, for many, it's a time of reflection...more than any other season. Another year is almost over....did you accomplish what you wanted this year....did you waste the time....or was it so packed with activity...you're happy to just flop in the easy chair by the fire and say..thank God!! Well, I'm thankful for many things.

I've taken lots of pictures of this entrance into my kitchen. I know what's on the other side...the comfort of my surroundings. Home. Count your blessings.

A Fun Play Day

Last Friday I decided to take a day off from work and I participated in a Creativity Workshop hosted by Beth Sax (http://bethsax2009adventures.blogspot.com/). I know Beth through work associations and knew that anything she was organizing....would be fun. And any day that I get on a major highway like I95....you know I want to do it because I avoid those roads like the plague....I'm a "backroads kind of girl"! So with my new GPS hooked up, I headed down the highway for a fun day of meditation, play and painting!!! It doesn't get any better than that. I liked the idea of this workshop because of it's nature....I knew that whatever I painted was OK, that I wasn't going to be "intmidated" by other art going on around me.

I wasn't trying to do a landscape, I wasn't trying to do a still life. I was inspired to put paint on the paper from a meditative reading that Beth did. It was so "freeing"is the best way to describe it. After lunch we did another painting. I had actually picked up an oak leaf when we had taken a walk outside thinking I would do something with it in my next painting....whatever that might be. So here is my painting....you can't even tell I used an oak leaf!

The funny thing about this is...as I was leaving, someone said it looked like a sunflower....I wasn't consciously thinking of painting a sunflower...but if you look at entries on my blog....you can see how much I like....sunflowers.

So, Beth inspired me to create. We get so locked into our daily routines sometimes, so when we can "escape" that for just a little while...it can open our minds to new thoughts and ideas. The Creative Everyday Challenge word for September is "inspire" and I continue to be inspired every day by all that surrounds me.