the art of 'maleness'

There are so many figures I want to create that are male in their nature and appearance...and yet, the poor things tend to either come out as women or men masquerading as women. I just can't seem to get the proper edge to the face. Don't get me wrong, I know there are men who have gentle feminine faces, but I guess I'm trying for the stereotypical man. Anyway, with all that said here is yet another attempt at a 'man'. I sort of feel he is Asian in personality and can see him wearing saffron robes, it could be because of the bald head. Currently I am calling him Ping. As you know nothing is certain until the figure is done, so all is subject to change without notice.

(Please excuse my wobbly photo skills, it's hard to hold a head and photograph it at the same time)

The color in the bottom photos are closer to true, but still a little too red for his skin. These were taken in the same light and at the same time of day, but on different parts of the painting and with different light settings, I think I used 'auto' on the bottom photos and 'daylight' on the top.

Spring - Where is my sunshine?

So far this spring has been wet and fairly sunless, which for me is sort of depressing. I'm still waiting for my sunshine and 70's+ weather. I have to admit though that everything is very green and lush and my lilacs have never been fuller or more fragrant!

In the meantime, I've been trying something new and totally adventurous for me. I've been taking some wonderful tele-classes from Laura Hollick of Soul Art Studio. 

Below is the cover I made for Laura's 8 week 'Create Yourself' phone class. It was a very exciting and insightful class for me. There was a lot to take in and I'm still digesting what I learned. The great thing about the class (besides being able to attend class in the comfort of your own home!) is that Laura records the tele-class in an mp3 format and sends you the link to the recording, a full overview of the course and assignment by the next day! So not only do you get to take the class the first time,  you have access to this information to go over as many times as you like, each time expanding your previous insights!!

 

  

Front Cover - acrylic paint and sharpie

 

Back Cover - colored pencil and sharpie

I'm currently taking the '21 day Creative Cleanse' (my 'mothers day's  present from my sister - WOOHOO!). I will post my new journal cover as soon as it's completed.

Rain Barrel

I haven't been writing lately, but I have been painting. I painted this rain barrel for a fund raiser. It is currently on display at a local card shop and will be auctioned April 17th to raise funds for scholarships for childrens nature camp. It's called 'Mesa in the Garden'.

Mesa Augustina 8/2/93 thru 1/2/2010

Miss Mesa passed away on Saturday, Jan 2 at the age of 16 yrs, 4 months. She will be missed.

Monster Mash!!

The Monster under the Bed swap!

I was partnered with Lisa Nelson of Bucks County Designs and Lisa Nelson’s Art. I received this AMAZING delicate ‘Frankenkitty’!!! Isn’t he just adorable? He’s even cuter in person! He is about 8" tall and his hand-painted face had wonderful detail.I sent Lisa my ‘Baby Monster with his Bunny’. He is made of Paperclay over a styrofoam frame. The bunny is felted sweater. I used acrylics to paint him and sealed with a spray matte acrylic finish – though he is still shiny.

Madonna - Staff Art Show

It seems like it takes me forever to post anything these days, but with the sun being down by 7p I find it difficult to be productive after work hours - my energy runs with the sun. I have however managed to create some art lately. I finished a figure for the Staff Art Show at work and I've been working on a challenge that is almost complete. So I don't feel too bad about the times I just lay on the couch listening to Terry Pratchett stories!

Madonna (My Lady)

This week I helped put up the 4th annual Staff Art Show. This is the 3rd year I participated. I enjoy this venue a lot because there is such a diverse array of art. I submitted a figurative sculpture called 'Madonna' (my lady). She is approximately 16" tall and is composed of paperclay, wire and wood. Her hair is brown paper bag and her clothing is made from crepe & tissue paper, some of the tissue paper I altered by creating a pastel pattern on it. The process of creating a little person is enjoyable, but I really love sculpting faces - so much so I have a hat box full of little heads waiting for bodies!!

Mermaid received - Under the Sea Swap

Here are some pics of the wonderful creation I received in the ‘Under the Sea Swap’ from Marleen. I apologize for how long it’s taken me to get these pictures up, but life can be so swift sometimes – I guess that’s why we should embrace the moments and cherish our good fortune.