Thursday, December 10, 2009

Monet's Paint Box

Here's my entry for Somerset Studios' latest challenge "The Impressionists". I call it Monet's Paint Box. I was lucky enough to find - and win! - a vintage metal paint box on ebay. I splattered and dripped several colours of acrylic craft paint on all the surfaces.


Then I delved into my cigar box stash - the one labeled Art Stuff - and found old brushes, really old tubes of paint, palette knives, etc. I attached these in their various compartments using E-6000. I printed out several Monet paintings and then collaged them to canvas board using matte medium. On the fold out flaps of the box I adhered stickers of Monet's paintings and dabbed acrylic around the edges.


Viola! You can almost see the ripples on the pond and hear the late spring breeze as it kisses the wisteria on the Japanese bridge. The paint box silently waits for the master to return from his midday meal in the Giverny dining room, to pick up a brush and capture the afternoon light on the water lilies.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Cigar Box Wednesday

Clay: polymer clay, paper clay, lots of colours

All waiting to be turned into lovely projects, to adorn journals and enliven assemblages.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

This Frog I Like


Anyone who knows me, knows I don't like frogs. Well, that's putting it mildly. Actually I'm really scared of frogs. One of those irrational fear things, like mice or spiders or '70's disco music.



But flower frogs I love. I'm not big on fancy flower arrangements, mine are always just sort of casually done. But, flower frogs make great brush holders! These are the cheapy (around $.69)
brushes that I use for my red rosin paintings and this is a great way to have them to hand. This frog I like!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Time to Clean Up


This is what my workbench in the garage studio looks like now.

This is what I'd like it to look like when I get through cleaning.

I'd even settle for this, but who am I kidding, it's not going to happen until after the holidays!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Life on the Coast

Weathered wood

Rusty Metal

Lichen-encrusted Railing


A morning walk filled with found object art - but just a bit too big to put in an assemblage! Enjoy your weekend.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Art Day

photo courtesy Destiny Carter

We had a Creative Urge Art Day at our house at the beginning of the week. Margot and Destiny spent the time going through shoes for Sassy Feet and playing with the above- Shiva Oil Paint Sticks. Lots of luscious colours.

I'm working on the next Somerset challenge - The Impressionists. I hope to use my weekend getting it completed and ready to send off.


Friday, December 4, 2009

From the Bookshelf


I pulled this favourite volume off the shelf during the holiday weekend and was delighted anew at the marvelous eye candy and excellent techniques presented within. Carol Owen has put together a mini-workshop in shrine making - including using foam board to create the structures.
A gallery spotlights all different types of shrines from many of our best-loved artists including Lynne Perrella and Judi Riesch.