My dad pointed out how beautiful the bright yellow tennis ball looks against the blue sky. This is seen when tossing the ball up for a serve. I wanted to capture that moment in a painting. It took many re-dos to get what I wanted. This is done in acrylic and is 20 x 24.
As I was cutting these shapes I was struck by the blue spheres. A “blue moon” is a rare occurrence, but for this Collorage artistic license allows me multiple blue moons. 🙂
Well, At least I finally figured out how to post! My spirit flags have been working through some issue… sewing issues. I have not sewn in awhile and my machine was acting up. This caused a delay in progress. I did however continue with sketches and plans while I tinkered with my sewing machine. After debating on whether to throw in the towel, invest in a new sewing machine or alter my materials I use… my studio partner Christine Saari came to the rescue. She dropped off her sewing machine at our studio! So I am back in business. The good part about this challenge is that I did some serious consideration of various media that I still may integrate.
This experiment was exciting. The morning sunlight created both shadow and sun on the tree and warbler. These circumstances brought out the texture of the watercolor paper, while enhancing the bark and lichens.
After experimenting with my Cuttlebug folders in the Cuttlebug machine, I tried using other objects and found only the folders work in the Cuttlebug machine. So on to the rolling mill which can apply more pressure. Pieces 31 through 34 are the last pieces using Cuttlebug folders. Rolling mill: thirty-five used two brass rings. Thirty-six and thirty-seven used brass texture plates.Thirty-eight a piece of brass furnace vent we used behind a gas stove (next time use more pressure to make deeper impression) . Thirty-nine a piece of book cloth and forty was 1/4 inch hardware cloth. The book cloth is a one-time use because it gets flattened but the rest can be used over and over. Can’t believe it’s day 42 already!
The process is developing as each piece is created. My goal has been to practice every day and learn more about structure and color as it is applied to the neo-tropical warblers and their breeding environment. I worked to Asaf Avidan’s new album, DIFFERENT PULSES. The energy from his work helped me overcome the difficulty I experienced creating the Nuthatch-like pose of this Black and White Warbler on a lichen covered Sugar Maple tree. I used a photo I took at Presque Isle for the tree. The warbler was sketched after a photo by Sue from her blog, Backyard Biologist. With this piece, I learned that I like a more stylized look rather than a “realistic painting” (e.g., Stippling on bark indentations, pen/ink exclusively on the warbler). The Black and White Warbler is really this striking and distinct.
I love playing around with the different metal textures and seeing them show up in my jewelry. But I procrastinate with the “Not so fun” stuff. I don’t mind annealing each piece of copper because I like to hear the hiss when I quench the hot metal in water. But then I have to pickle and clean with Dawn detergent each piece. After I texture and add a patina to a piece; I have to file the corners, sand the edges and then wash them with Dawn again. I procrastinate about the filing and sanding part because it is my least favorite. So I spent the last two days filing, sanding and washing, ugh! Now I will put it off again until I have another pile ready to do.
This is a very exciting month! Evolve!, the game that I’ve devoted my 100-Day Project to illustrating, did very well in the Champaign-Urbana Design Organization’s yearly game design contest. This resource and evolution game took first place in the Education category for its scientifically accurate content and modeling, and second in the Innovation of Game Play category. My husband, Keith, and I together make up the Chimeric Creations game design team that created Evolve! With this success under our belts, we hope to Kick-Start Evolve! in the coming year. Here’s a picture of the prototype we entered in the competition.
The100DayProject
“Something wicked this way comes…”
18″ x 24″
Medium: Pen & Ink / Watercolor
The 100 Day Project will be a view of what I am doing in my Studio and without over a 100 day period.
As I create my works I will also attempt beginning an Arts Organization here in my hometown of Republic, Michigan.
DAY #35
I complete the hoody with some simple stippling to create folds and creases on the hooded jacket.
I then brush on a simple wash over it. Later when I will take an eraser and apply some softer tones simply by removing some of the wash to create highlights.
I then apply some very fine, soft stippling detail on the moon to create distant craters and shadow on the surface.
I then brush a very soft wash of yellow just barely visible.
And then I use a Xacto knife and begin scratching in very small distant stars onto the night sky and even a shooting star.