Friday, August 15, 2014

Hunting Island's Way

A few months ago, some friends took us to Beaufort, SC for a delightful weekend filled with good food, cozy bungalow accommodations, many laughs & warm conversations...and the beach.  What dear-hearted friends we have, one's that will always be in our lives in the most special way.

While visiting this one particular beach, we were met with a most unusual sight. Erosion created this amazing display of fallen trees on the sand, some far reaching into the water at the shore's edge.  We mingled in and out of the giant and seemingly lazy creatures, being absorbed by the oddness, yet magic of it all.



The treasures one can find, 
if only we slow down, and look.
 While there at this unique spot, I found the shore covered in abundance with the most unique bounty of driftwood, all different sizes, shapes and textures.
Could I go back to the car empty handed??  Not me.  
 These glorious wooden wonders awaited to be reawakened, needing a new display, not left to be trodden underfoot, carelessly. 
So my little mind went to work, wanting to find just the right display.  
I seem to recycle a lot, so I found an old board, scraped, reworked.
Then, layed my little gems in their place, creating a driftwood type of "Stone Stacking".
  
The sea with it's perfect surroundings always give me life lessons,
if I just look, listen, absorb.
This created piece represents discarded little leftovers of which can become beautiful again,
if just given the chance. Balancing out life, reaching high, yet of course,
 never forgetting where they came from.
This one now hangs by my breakfast table,
to remind me of those things each and everyday.


A little "pop of color"
which my good friend says every outfit needs.  
Why not splash some color on a piece of boat canvas?  Very Appropriate indeed. 

  

 "Hunting Island's Way"
Mixed Media on Wooden Panel
Created with a longing heart for the sea and all it holds.

Have a Beautiful Weekend!!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Lighthouses

These noble structures captivate me.  Partly because of where they are located, by the sea where I was birthed and lived for so many years, but also there is something strong, dependable, silent- holding so many stories of ships kept on course, and the relaxed, vacationing  people enthroning them in awe.  They hold history, they embrace beauty.     Over and over I'm drawn back to them, in my mind and   
as well as myself physically, on those many, many road trips. 
So for me to create works of art which adorn them, 
I get very, very happy.  


This painting, called "Days Like These", was done over the passed few weeks.  It was during all the frigid weather, so it was a nice escape, bringing me to my beloved shore, 
even if only in my mind and through my brush.      

I was asked to hang this one at one of my favorite little cafe/art galleries in Huntersville where hopefully, it will grace the home of someone who has the same love as me.
(and if you'd like to view it in person and want to purchase this one,
it's at Cafe 100 on Gilead Rd. in Huntersville) 

Summer is approaching, I can almost smell that salty air as it flies across my skin.

 And on to more....
Last year,  I participated in an Art Exchange, 
receiving some beautiful pottery for one of my pieces.
It seems as it was time for that again, as a lady who I went to high school with, who is also a talented artist, liked the idea of doing one with me!   She works with felt, doing a process I have no idea what it all involves, but knew that it was lovely.    When asked what she loved...well, to my joy she said "Lighthouses".   So to work I went, creating something special for her, causing each little detail to hold something special in meaning. 



I couldn't decide which lighthouse to do on this cupboard door which a friend gave me, so I opted to put both on it.  After adding some paint, I did an ink transfer process for the lighthouses,  added more paint, then bees wax and a darkening agent to give it texture and an oldish look.  Combining these specific techniques are probably my favorite way to create.  It always has a hint of surprise on how 
the finished piece will actually look.  


Here is a couple of shots to show the detail surrounding each lighthouse.   I of course, have to throw hidden particulars on my work, such as the 5 tally marks representing "grace", and a red splotch, reminding me of the Blood of Christ that was so lovely poured out for humanity.  Little things like that speak volumes, at least to me, and lets me leave a mark of my deep rooted beliefs, wherever my work may end up.   





My dear friend from long ago, 
the day she received 
"Where I am Free"



This was the beautiful felted wall hanging that Dawn sent to me for the exchange.  Photos don't do artwork justice, and of course my cell phone camera doesn't help.  There are shiny fibers that are woven throughout, making this so delightful.  


I am grateful for art, which brings people together, and paints color on a sometimes gray world.

To view my other NEW blog, which encompasses an array of writings, food in all it's glory, and things interesting to me in doing this thing called "life", you can find it at:



Saturday, February 1, 2014

Dreams of Mine


Little peaks of bright colors come though the muted foreground.
Glimpses of buried dreams, emerging through the dullness that masks a life. 
These are dreams of mine,
ones that will come.

Dreams of Mine 
12 x 12 mixed media on canvas 


Some people paint lovely portraits or beautiful, tranquil scenes of hills and mountains. 
Then there's me.  
I paint messes, and I love it.  
It may look like kindergarten art class, but to me, 
this form of art lets me 
color outside the lines, is freeing.  There is no right or wrong, and I need that right now.
Just paint.  But although there is no planned out trees,
 no ships or birds, 
there still is thought, placement, a bit planning.



I wanted to dabble with pumice, using it as a texture and thickening agent.
In an old box, I found an old piece of it and scrapped a bit off, then added it to my brown paint.  Depending on how fine you make it, will determine how grainy it will look 
on your piece.  
I need to experiment with this, as my pumice had some bigger chunks in it along with finer powder. 
I like the texture it gave this piece.  The only place I added this to was the brown strip in the middle.
I didn't want to overwhelm the piece with too much of the same thing.  

Change it up a bit...you know, too much of the 
same thing gets boring!!




This was enjoyable to create and I can't wait to try it on a much bigger canvas!