Romantic Red

Maybe it's the hint of fall in the air that has me wanting to be outside more--enjoying the last weeks of summer and looking forward to anything "pumpkin-spiced"! Combine that with the fact that I can't go for long without painting Red, here she is in the woods.

Titled, "Determination," I like to think that Red is a little tougher than the story would have you believe. I like to use vintage school-primer pages on my fairytale pieces. Her dress is collaged from a primer from the early 1900's with wonderful character--a little creased here, a little frayed there. Makes me think about the children who would have originally read that primer!

She is 24" x 12" and I'll be listing her on Etsy soon!

Step Away from the Canvas!

Do you ever wake up, look at your art materials just waiting for you, and go, "I have no idea how to paint" (or sculpt, or sew, or whatever it is that makes your creative juices flow)?

I have had one of those art days. Actually, two art days! It's as if I have artistic amnesia! Today's block had me honestly thinking about taking up some form of fabric art. Or maybe jewelry.

This dilemma got me thinking: Does it really matter if the process is easy or not? Does it matter if the muse is present or if she's out for a mani and a cup of chai?

While it's definitely more enjoyable when things are flowing (and maybe a little less humbling!), I guess it's more important to just show up.

So these photos show a little of my hit-and-miss process with "Gentle Guardian," complete with a PB&J lunch break with The Boog in the park and a moment of chaos when I thought she was going to tip over my easel!

Almost complete.

With the finishing touches.

My First Blog Post!

Well, hello!

Welcome to my blog! I've stared at this blank screen long enough! The start of something new is always exciting and a little scary. This adventure is no exception! After downing a quarter of a pan of brownies, I have mustered up the courage to share a little bit about myself and my hopes and dreams for my blog.

I will put one thing out on the table right away. I will not be posting any photos of my feet. I know that they are the rage in the blogosphere--cute toes jauntily peeking out from the corner of a photo--feet on a fab hardwood floor or romantic old porch or toes buried in the sand. And it's not because I'm against foot pics, per say. It's just that you don't want to see my feet. Really. I danced for years; and while I think that they are beautiful, I would not subject you to that type of punishment.

What you will find is a sleep-deprived, mixed-media artist and new mom who is trying to make mommyhood and art coexist! (I just know they can!) And I think lack of sleep is adding a certain flair to my art! So I hope to share my pieces with you and a little bit about my process, as well. Oh--I am so NOT Super Mom. If anyone has any advice on how to keep my 13-month-old from scaling my easel and shredding my collage paper with abandon, I'd love to hear it!

Here is a photo of my latest painting titled, "Alice's Adaptation." I hope you like it!