Making a List...Checking it Twice

Just a reminder.....there's only 21 weeks until Christmas.  Yes, I know, we're all focused on "back to school" right now.  However, if you have someone on your Christmas list who is impossible to buy for, consider a piece of art.  There is no better time than now to get some Christmas shopping done.  How about a painting of a home/vacation house....a favorite flower...a family name with favorite flowers...email me and tell me what you want in your painting.  I can do pieces sized 2.5"x3.5" and up depending on your budget.  How about a 3x5 watercolor to accent the bathroom decor.....the possibilities are endless, but you need to order now!  Don't be caught "in the cold" when it's time to wrap gifts!

Crazy Colorful Cone Flowers

I'm venturing outside my comfort zone on this painting.  I've had this one sketched for awhile and just today I've begun to work on it.  I couldn't find my reference photo, so I had to think outside the box and use my imagination, hence the crazy colors.  I think not having the photo to look at has made my right brain work a bit harder, which is a good thing.  I still have a bit more work to do on it before I can call it finished.  This piece exudes happiness for me.....hopefully I can find a happy home for it as well.  Again, thanks to those of you who view and share my art blog.

Long Drive

So we drove to the beaches of Destin from Ohio for our vacation....and luckily I brought my art journal to keep me busy in the car.  This was something I came up with during the drive....kind of a fun experiment with color and design.  For this I used a Sharpie Pen, LePlume markers, and Gelly Roll pens.

Reflecting

The beach is calling my name.  This past week I've been busy with laundry, list making, organizing, and packing.  Needless to say, painting has been placed on the back burner, but only temporarily.  I have many ideas going through my head for my next painting(s) and I'm anxious to make them a reality.  I've also received some great photographs to use as inspiration.  Thank you to those who have sent images.  I always welcome fresh ideas.

I didn't want to leave a post without a picture, so as I was reflecting on what to post I remembered a painting I did in college of my niece.  It's titled "Maddie" for obvious reasons.

This was my second attempt at a watercolor portrait and although there are some flaws, I was able to capture her personality and the shy expression on her face.  I always promised myself to paint my own children's portraits and have yet to fulfill that promise.

Keeping the kids busy.

Although not a huge fan of abstract art, I'm all for activities that keep the kids busy and this one does. We tried our hand at Zentangle, a structured, contained doodle, so to speak. It was really interesting seeing what the boys came up with.....no real rules, so anything goes. Love using those fine point Sharpies.

Carter's Zentangle.













My unfinished Zentangle.  I have to admit, when I have the time, I do enjoy "getting lost" in these drawings.  I see where they get their name. 



You can find the official Zentangles at http://www.zentangle.com/.  There are some really cool pieces to view.

Should I stop?

"Art is completely subjective. It's up to the viewer to judge whether or not it has merit." (Ken Danby)

So here is where I am with the "Pick Me!" painting...
I am at the point where I am stepping back from it and deciding whether or not I should call it finished.  The realist/perfectionist in me says "add more detail".  However the artist in me says "Stop or you will overwork it".  As it is, the painting expects the viewer's eye to fill in the pieces and has an abstract feel.

So you decide......is it finished?

Pick Me!

Currently I am working on a 10x14 painting based on a photograph that was taken courtesy of my cousin in Texas.  They farm sunflowers as well as other crops.  I thank them for the inspiration.  I believe the two flowers on the left are trying to stand out in the crowd almost as if to be saying "Pick Me! Pick Me!". 





Naturally the focal point of this painting would have to be the two flowers striving to be noticed in a field of many look alikes.

Once finished, this painting will be available for purchase.

Wow, we had a really busy weekend but it was thoroughly enjoyable.  Luckily, today I had some free time to finish the Bird of Paradise card and envelope.  I mounted the painting onto a card I made out of 98lb. Canson Mi-Teintes drawing paper.  The envelope was created using the same paper.  I chose the sage color so as to not draw attention away from the flower. 

These unique 8x8 inch cards with envelope, all handmade, can be ordered for $20.00 and customized with your flower of choice.




Thanks again for sharing my creative journey and artwork with family and friends.  If you are interested in a custom piece please contact me at gabjorn@embarqmail.com.

All children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. Pablo Picasso

I have finished the Bird of Paradise with some pen work for detail.  I also need to add the recipients name next to the stem, which was requested by my friend/customer. (Thank you!) 

I will also be mounting this piece onto a card and making an envelope for it to fit into.  This will be a birthday card for my friend's mother.  It's about 7x7 inches and can be framed as well, if she chooses to do so.

My oldest son loved this picture.  He said he liked how colorful it was.  At 8 years old and an artist himself (it's in the genes) he gives the most honest advise.  I frequently find him peering over my shoulder as I'm painting, taking it all in and asking questions along the way.  I hope he continues his love for art.

Short break....now back to business.

After a short hiatus for a weekend wedding and one day boat trip, I'm back to the business of painting. 
This week I will be working on a commission piece for a friend.  Nature offers a never ending supply of subjects for artistic endeavors.  I tend to gravitate towards flowers and usually the variety that you find in your backyard.  The subject of this painting is the Bird of Paradise flower.

Native to South Africa, the Bird of Paradise gets it's name from it's striking resemblance to a colorful bird in flight.  The flower also symbolizes joyfulness.  I can see why.....how can you not experience joy while admiring this flower.  I only hope I can represent it's beauty on paper and convey the same feeling of joy.

I'll continue to post my progress as I continue to build the background and fine tune the "bird".