tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74533005605598409092023-09-24T06:14:21.858-07:00Art Life NowA journal of the creative processDebbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-75839903061242920382016-03-06T21:04:00.000-08:002016-03-06T21:04:38.671-08:00Back in BlueHello Blog. Remember me? I used to post here about my art. Then a funny thing happened. I started doing even more art and didn't take the time to blog. But now I'm back, at least for the moment. I'm still doing art, but the pace has slowed a bit as I'm in the midst of my academic year as a teacher and have less time for fun.<br />
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I'm taking Carla Sonheim's 2016 year long class, <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/2016-y-is-for-yellow/" target="_blank">Y is for Yellow</a> to help me stay inspired and motivated. Each lesson has a different theme beginning with a letter of the alphabet. For 'B' we painted in the style of Picasso's Blue Period using layers of watercolor and gel medium. I haven't done much of this type of study and found it to be a wonderful exercise.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8MymHCDdhIHzvV3bhwQ6N0B--QE-NSUDOyE55BtyBfs7zph1W0z8C5Tw5DnB8mg3UVVcoymv0yLHxFLczjpefWotpUF7_SSeJ1zI-PEOsuyLxwA4FJwGnOf3fwhZcBN-LEiNRzqJZ0g/s1600/blue+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8MymHCDdhIHzvV3bhwQ6N0B--QE-NSUDOyE55BtyBfs7zph1W0z8C5Tw5DnB8mg3UVVcoymv0yLHxFLczjpefWotpUF7_SSeJ1zI-PEOsuyLxwA4FJwGnOf3fwhZcBN-LEiNRzqJZ0g/s320/blue+portrait.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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"Contemplative Woman in Blue" after Picasso</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqXq6cXveryvxnxkjibenEIf3I1otIO-rqf0nX3E66dK-HIIyj4Sv02Vyq5ivK0NbTSOzHIehU2_nF5XLcKDrf6PgE6gWc8sScd8Kin22SELey2yzBbOUd2YUat6j5T9jyqDnPXRpRQ4/s1600/Mother+and+Child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqXq6cXveryvxnxkjibenEIf3I1otIO-rqf0nX3E66dK-HIIyj4Sv02Vyq5ivK0NbTSOzHIehU2_nF5XLcKDrf6PgE6gWc8sScd8Kin22SELey2yzBbOUd2YUat6j5T9jyqDnPXRpRQ4/s320/Mother+and+Child.jpg" width="284" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version of Picasso's Mother and Child 1901</td></tr>
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And my favorite painting from my blue period is this original portrait I did of my great great grandmother.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SIB6USe-FOmhGTMrutGNdQ2BATITT-YQ6Wo2PKtwAx01x-qMpYzkgIadw6H7xwWL6M90ilWnesHT3aTbWbiFVTj4KUx-NmIqhjmQbpBvWiZrzARsI--19QfUW-Uv5Ogzahp3WLfdB8w/s1600/lizzie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SIB6USe-FOmhGTMrutGNdQ2BATITT-YQ6Wo2PKtwAx01x-qMpYzkgIadw6H7xwWL6M90ilWnesHT3aTbWbiFVTj4KUx-NmIqhjmQbpBvWiZrzARsI--19QfUW-Uv5Ogzahp3WLfdB8w/s320/lizzie.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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It feels good to back. I hope to post more soon. </div>
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-40376192066918966642014-07-22T12:05:00.002-07:002014-07-22T12:05:52.884-07:00"Partial Clearing" Mixed Media Collage<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdMxbpITsnX2tKHitaXtaioWH5DSZDLvv7uB93Nn8nALz5Yf7FQg-LHFCbmMnmbTY0J8mDc8QsZKyDJ2_7t53RD3cUAtWBDr0N1qrlKqT-9616dUIwLecg5bQ0vRsQq0213KGChRQpjQ/s1600/10475223954_698250ce2b_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdMxbpITsnX2tKHitaXtaioWH5DSZDLvv7uB93Nn8nALz5Yf7FQg-LHFCbmMnmbTY0J8mDc8QsZKyDJ2_7t53RD3cUAtWBDr0N1qrlKqT-9616dUIwLecg5bQ0vRsQq0213KGChRQpjQ/s1600/10475223954_698250ce2b_k.jpg" height="320" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial Clearing<br />Mixed Media Collage on Canvas<br />8" x 8"</td></tr>
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I've been busy listing this piece along with some of my other recent work in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DebbieSmithArt?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy Shop</a> today. This is an original mixed media collage that I originally blogged about <a href="http://debbiesmithart.blogspot.com/search/label/wabi-sabi" target="_blank">here</a>. It is a very textural piece, due to the papers and modeling paste used to create texture under the painting. Thank you for your interest in my art! I'm happy to answer any questions. </div>
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-17480833120758621332014-07-14T20:13:00.002-07:002014-07-14T20:13:44.015-07:00Flower Power: Art Journal Page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWT35um2uy0gD_JQC0HrPE-BX0U-doFhVT3yjNonXlneS2BrXFI8ZyYR3a5WNda3F30CcOYhImDBi939ZU8R0QixMJi9X2jeXHun9U3JUsznQq16cqiA-gxTntqe5RKds9GeIwNY-Eig/s1600/14654070611_acf6a5530c_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVWT35um2uy0gD_JQC0HrPE-BX0U-doFhVT3yjNonXlneS2BrXFI8ZyYR3a5WNda3F30CcOYhImDBi939ZU8R0QixMJi9X2jeXHun9U3JUsznQq16cqiA-gxTntqe5RKds9GeIwNY-Eig/s1600/14654070611_acf6a5530c_z.jpg" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have to admit I love drawing and painting flowers. I've been doodling flowers forever. There are so many possibilities with colors, shapes and lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQHVapZf77xA3aW5mZsraMMrGokh1mV8bxUNSghiQfG6uEvdu9b7PDDtk_Wk9wPUVWBuJkmz0LM3WOh-NhWtUa4_hAw_8lGi2jM9GMa_L_J9pNHtnUFnMxnFnFfxTgghB738P9H5SAMk/s1600/14470687139_7b95785a49_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDQHVapZf77xA3aW5mZsraMMrGokh1mV8bxUNSghiQfG6uEvdu9b7PDDtk_Wk9wPUVWBuJkmz0LM3WOh-NhWtUa4_hAw_8lGi2jM9GMa_L_J9pNHtnUFnMxnFnFfxTgghB738P9H5SAMk/s1600/14470687139_7b95785a49_z.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this journal page, I'm focusing on looking for the positive. Lately I've been hearing so many complaints from my kids. Nothing seems to be right, and certainly I am never right, at least according to them! (Why didn't someone warn me about the teen years before I had kids?). Anyway, it's too late to dwell on that now, so I am reminding myself to look for the flowers. There will always be weeds, but there is also so much that is good and wonderful all around us. I've noticed my own complaining, too, and I'm trying to stop myself and try to set a better example as a parent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUKyQCXkiy9ay-6Gu6216Hn8rKoDcihRbjs-Wjbzn1nHCPHhlxIViz7KbHumBOGEK70TCHCwURFKnyTFc7rmTzXby7QD-cS_RoCMYcDQN4YFvjPmZYOG2BPD2_nV8gzQPQLbdwpjgfbc/s1600/14677224303_7e01624b23_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUKyQCXkiy9ay-6Gu6216Hn8rKoDcihRbjs-Wjbzn1nHCPHhlxIViz7KbHumBOGEK70TCHCwURFKnyTFc7rmTzXby7QD-cS_RoCMYcDQN4YFvjPmZYOG2BPD2_nV8gzQPQLbdwpjgfbc/s1600/14677224303_7e01624b23_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I had so much fun painting, drawing and doodling this page. I'm afraid it got a little busy, but I like how cheerful it is.<br />
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The mysterious figure in the corner is a museum guard, you know those guards who have to sit all day watching to make sure that no one touches or steals the art? I cut the photo out of a magazine because I was intrigued by it. She certainly seems serious. I hope that she gets to see some flowers at some point during her day!<br />
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I've been painting lots of floral and garden themed paintings recently. If you're interested in seeing more of my work, go <a href="http://debbiesmithart.blogspot.com/search/label/Flower%20Power" target="_blank">here</a>, or just scroll down my recent posts here in my blog. I also have even more posted at <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1073601267"></span>Flickr<span id="goog_1073601268"></span></a>.<br />
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://art-journal-journey.blogspot.com/2014/07/072014-flowerpower.html" target="_blank">Art Journal Journey</a>. Check out the other great Flower Power art people are posting there! Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I always appreciate your comments.<br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-70606843743845553592014-07-09T17:00:00.000-07:002014-07-14T19:59:18.148-07:00"For Her" Mixed Media Floral Painting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUxmRkG_CBZWlAU4QVuMkd6HPaq0EaMr-MvNywyy4R1J2CBAZcV3nthv8s-GVw0V5l5XpKOS15p-Uuc2AAkSBJ5uMZs0tS-Xjf5HewzcPwo3JcQvpPu2RS-p9idmajeZkKDf8-DlDFrM/s1600/14472691991_461ab7377a_z+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUxmRkG_CBZWlAU4QVuMkd6HPaq0EaMr-MvNywyy4R1J2CBAZcV3nthv8s-GVw0V5l5XpKOS15p-Uuc2AAkSBJ5uMZs0tS-Xjf5HewzcPwo3JcQvpPu2RS-p9idmajeZkKDf8-DlDFrM/s1600/14472691991_461ab7377a_z+(2).jpg" height="400" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"For Her"<br />
acrylic on canvas<br />
8" x 10"<br />
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I bought a multi-pack of canvases recently so that I would have plenty on hand. Unfortunately, I'm discovering that I might actually prefer painting on wood panels to canvas. I painted a layer of modeling paste on this canvas before painting to create more texture, and as you can see, it creates a beautiful texture and depth in the painting. I used masking fluid to create the design in the leaves, and I am thrilled with how they turned out. Since I love collage, I couldn't resist adding a tiny bit to this painting and that is how I came to the title for this piece.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-76394087541895518472014-07-08T23:30:00.000-07:002014-07-18T05:09:44.845-07:00Pointillism in the New Millenium<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P1xI0tXhaQmT4CAqkutxRhv2Qp-MsZ45tnmCN66jGCfIHFZ5l-cosNSqM5JSk48NMzdnfnlvYBe0O8P_NxDB2S3210WyTQ5TRwvrkl_WOt6XLuHGg5y9CQ1kCGBsXWELTOtalCsM6O0/s1600/14523541346_9b3ff64b9e_z+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-P1xI0tXhaQmT4CAqkutxRhv2Qp-MsZ45tnmCN66jGCfIHFZ5l-cosNSqM5JSk48NMzdnfnlvYBe0O8P_NxDB2S3210WyTQ5TRwvrkl_WOt6XLuHGg5y9CQ1kCGBsXWELTOtalCsM6O0/s1600/14523541346_9b3ff64b9e_z+(1).jpg" height="640" width="499" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Strange Garden<br />
Acrylic on Canvas<br />
8" x 10"</td></tr>
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I didn't think I would ever try pointillism. I am a patient person, but the thought of doing an entire painting using little dots of paint has never appealed to me. But Diane Culhane's wonderful online class "<a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/paint-your-garden-with-diane-culhane/" target="_blank">Paint Your Garden: The Language of Paint</a>" has showed me a way to use this technique, more as an accent, or a way to add interest and texture. And now that I've tried it out a bit, I really like it!<br />
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One thing I've found it is very useful for is balancing color. If I use a color in one part of a painting, I'll make some dots of color elsewhere to help the colors make sense overall. I love it when you can see dots of color under glazing. It also is a way to adjust value by adding more light or dark without changing the base color. And, even though it seems like it would be tedious, I have to admit that it's kind of fun to do.<br />
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Have you ever tried pointillism? If so, how did you like it?<br />
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Welcome, <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2014/07/paint-party-friday-week-19-year-4-check.html?showComment=1405657010930#c8305079508506958712" target="_blank">Paint Party Friday</a> Visitors! Thanks so much for visiting, and commenting.<br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-84559347248474337592014-07-08T05:54:00.000-07:002014-07-14T20:00:20.968-07:00Painting my GardenHello, long neglected blog. It's been a while! But summer is here, and I'm on vacation until September which means I have time for my art once again. For those of you that don't know, I teach ESL part-time at a local college when I'm not doing art. I squeeze in time for art whenever I can, so even though I haven't been blogging much, I have been painting, collaging, and drawing quite a lot this year. I'm focusing more on my painting skills these days and recently took Diane Culhane's wonderful online class "<a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/paint-your-garden-with-diane-culhane/" target="_blank">Paint Your Garden: The Language of Paint</a>." Using a garden theme as inspiration, Diane teaches various painting techniques in this class such as pointillism and masking.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5R1rd5Nry77RDzV6MZJWZGqfG41oIkDgBfWcX7mHp57KyCt583jkxfmgKMmC4nB0SFMGZkhzto6Y4A6LoqCso68rCC1-DudNz-3JEYyDxP-n87cZ4OanGMzFXeW8o9b70djOW2Ru7FU/s1600/14620653513_a46ea7571f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5R1rd5Nry77RDzV6MZJWZGqfG41oIkDgBfWcX7mHp57KyCt583jkxfmgKMmC4nB0SFMGZkhzto6Y4A6LoqCso68rCC1-DudNz-3JEYyDxP-n87cZ4OanGMzFXeW8o9b70djOW2Ru7FU/s1600/14620653513_a46ea7571f_z.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucifer and Becky<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Inspired by the Crocosimia Lucifer and Daisies (Leucanthemum × superbum 'Becky') now blooming in my garden</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">acrylic on canvas</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">8" x 10'</span></div>
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I used a lot of masking in this one, both with masking fluid and masking tape. Can you tell where I used the tape? I might go back in and do more line work, but I don't want to lose the spontaneous feel I have. Diane uses the liner brush a lot in her <a href="http://www.dianeculhaneart.com/index.php/examples/" target="_blank">paintings</a>, but so far, I haven't been happy with my results. Like anything else, it will take practice.<br />
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Which brings me to another question -- How do you learn from an artist that you admire, but at the same time, keep your own 'voice'? I love Diane's style, but I don't want to copy it (and indeed, I am not able to copy it, at least at this point in time)?<br />
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Thanks for visiting today! I appreciate your comments.<br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-38558035135268415572014-02-19T09:13:00.001-08:002014-02-19T09:13:23.788-08:00Growing Stronger, Updated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is a piece I've been working for awhile. I started it in January and let it sit for awhile. To see what it looked like then, go <a href="http://debbiesmithart.blogspot.com/2014/01/growing-stronger-work-in-progress.html" target="_blank">here</a>. The more I looked at her, the more I wanted to add more color. I love using the watercolor over gesso technique, but sometimes I want more color. I felt like I was putting her makeup on this morning as I dabbed some pan pastel color here and there! She may be done, or maybe not. I don't seem to be in a hurry with this one at all.<br />
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Thanks so much for visiting my blog today. I always appreciate your comments.<br />
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I'm linking this with the <a href="http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/feb-2014.html" target="_blank">29 Faces Challenge</a> . Check it out to see some fabulous work from artists all around the world. Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-39663686430590588742014-02-13T01:00:00.000-08:002014-02-13T06:20:12.832-08:00<br />
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Three more stylized faces on gessoed chipboard today. I love catching glimpses of the text and colors underneath the gesso, as well as the great texture of the gesso. I used a combination of marker and colored pencil. This is actually going to be a little booklet which I will show soon. I'm so busy this week and finding that doing these little faces is a welcome diversion.<br />
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Thanks so much for visiting my blog!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-35718600346682134312014-02-10T08:23:00.000-08:002014-02-10T08:23:00.395-08:00Stylized FacesI don't know that I'm good at stylized faces. I've been doodling faces my whole life, but when I try to be deliberately stylized, I feel a bit of a block. Anyway, here are three attempts at a stylized face, all using the same reference.<br />
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I'm call this last one "After the Swim" thanks to her green hair! These faces were so fun to do. They're on pieces of chipboard with a little gesso, then some marker and colored pencil -- another idea from Carla Sonheim's Faces 101 class. I like how each one is very different, even though I was looking at the same photo reference for inspiration.<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-32749567943604299952014-02-09T08:40:00.000-08:002014-02-09T08:40:03.528-08:00Just Another (Pretty?) Pastel Face<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For some reason, this face is making me think of Little Red Riding Hood. My what big eyes you have! My what a big mouth you have! I was sketching with pan pastels at first, then gradually added some detail with pencil, and here she is. I kind of like her.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-91578220351652229992014-02-07T10:16:00.000-08:002014-02-07T10:16:55.653-08:00Pretty in Pastel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here is another face drawn first with chalk pastel, then going in with pencil to add some detail. I really love the softness of the pastel. I'm right on schedule with the <a href="http://29faces.blogspot.com/p/feb-2014.html" target="_blank">29 Faces Challenge</a> so far! Go take a look at some of the beautiful work being done in this challenge, or maybe even join in yourself!<br />
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Thanks so much for visiting!!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-85213136221273475552014-02-06T18:19:00.000-08:002014-02-06T18:19:19.356-08:00Ink Dropper Faces - Vintage Ladies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I looked online for vintage ladies to draw this set of ink dropper sketches. Their elaborate hairstlyles and accessories are so fun to draw! This method of drawing can be challenging because it is hard to control what happens with the blobs of ink in the process. There are elements in each drawing that I'm happy with, and other areas that I like less, but I do love the dramatic quality of ink. </div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-82376248635365519472014-02-06T18:05:00.000-08:002014-02-06T18:06:39.081-08:00Faces in Pastel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even though I didn't really have time for it, I couldn't resist signing up for Carla Sonheim's <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/faces-101-repeat-session-january-27-31-2014/">Faces 101 Class</a> during the last week in January. Carla's approach to teaching drawing is so creative and fun. One technique from the class I'm really enjoying is drawing with pastel, using an eraser to draw. Here is one effort done in pan pastel on black paper. </div>
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I'd never worked with pan pastels before and I've discovered that I really enjoy drawing with them!<br />
The next two were done using chalk pastels, along with a bit of pencil sketching to add some definition and detail.<br />
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Most of the drawing for these faces is done with your finger, then using eraser to "draw" and create highlights, as a face gradually emerges. I'd drawn with pastel before, but never felt comfortable with it and honestly thought I didn't like it. But now I know better! Even though my faces seem gloomy, I'm feeling happy inside to draw this way.<br />
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Thanks for visiting! I'm linking this to the <a href="http://29faces.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">29 Faces Challenge</a> hosted by Ayala Art.<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-80673472399762155532014-01-12T20:38:00.000-08:002014-01-12T20:38:41.771-08:00Silence -- Art Journal Page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"<i>Enter a place of stillness and simply be where you are: </i></div>
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<i>not moving forward or backward but simply being utterly present,</i></div>
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<i> suspended in the space between past and future."</i></div>
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Ruth Barrett</div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-74147261598230840382014-01-10T17:16:00.002-08:002014-01-10T17:16:57.205-08:00Growing Stronger - Work in Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Another year has started, and I feel that I am getting closer to figuring out what I really want to do in my art. Over the past two years, I've been like a sponge, absorbing and learning all I can about mixed media and collage, as well as striving for a more abstract style in my work. I'm more confident about drawing again and finding ways to integrate drawing into my mixed media pieces. Drawing brings my process to the forefront, exposing all of the messy twists and turns of the process, giving an expressive quality and depth that I like. The imperfections are interesting visually to me. I love creating a sense of mystery in my work, leaving at least part of the meaning up to the imagination of the viewer. I've been working on my painting, too, and find that sooner or later, I come back to watercolor. I'm using watercolor over gesso in this piece, along with collage.<br />
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For all of the reasons, I feel I am growing stronger as an artist, and that feels really good!Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-56239048465195724042014-01-09T20:06:00.000-08:002014-01-09T20:06:31.787-08:00Corrugated Cardboard Art: Christmas GarlandsI love making gifts at Christmas, if I can think of (or find) good ideas. This year's inspiration came from <a href="http://jessicasporn.blogspot.com/">Jessica Sporn's</a> fabulous <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krJbtUpJWz4&noredirect=1">Holiday Garland Tutorial.</a> As soon as I watched her tutorial, I knew what I would make for gifts this year. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to order her lovely stencils and had to go ahead on the project without them.<br />
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I had so much fun making these garlands! They basically consist of a series of mixed media collages done on a corrugated cardboard substrate. The backgrounds are watercolor and/or fluid acrylic with stamping and other embellishments. I made my own very simple stencils and masks for the tree shapes this time, but would love to try out Jessica's beautiful stencils with some Christmas projects next year. Here are some photos of the individual collages as well as the finished garlands. I'm so excited with how they turned out. Thank you Jessica, for so generously sharing this great idea!<br />
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Hmmm... I did my own lettering on the first set of collages for my 'test garland' and decided not to do lettering on the rest. Plus, it gave me a good excuse to keep one of the garlands for myself! </div>
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I ended up making four garlands (one for myself, of course) and one for each of my sisters. Making gifts like this is such a win-win situation. I get to do what I enjoy most while making something special and unique for the people I love. It sure beats rushing around in the stores, looking for gifts to buy. I hope you all had a chance to slow down and create during the busy holiday and that 2014 is a year full of time to paint and create!<br />
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Thanks so much for visiting my blog today. I always appreciate your comments.Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-71094523076281570492013-12-19T21:40:00.000-08:002013-12-19T21:42:33.934-08:00Tea Time with Tracey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's post is dedicated to <a href="http://traceyfletcherking.blogspot.com/">Tracey Fletcher King</a>, a wonderful artist and storyteller who shares ups and downs of everyday life in beautiful color at her blog. I first learned about Tracey through <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/">Paint Party Friday</a> and look forward to her lovely artwork and laugh-out-loud humor every time I visit her blog. In fact, I secretly wish that not only could I paint as well as her, but that I could also be even half as funny, (OK, even a quarter as funny would be nice).<br />
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Sadly, this year has been a challenging one for Tracey, as she is battling cancer. So today the Paint Party Friday community is having a virtual tea party in her honor. My contribution is a still life painting in acrylic that I started while taking <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/a-brand-new-class-by-diane-culhane/">Table Top Drawing and Painting</a> with Diane Culhane and finished(?) earlier this week. I decided it would fit the tea party theme nicely and hopefully add a bit of cheer to the party! Something about painting in acrylic sets my inner critic in high gear, but I am determined to get better at it. I find that using color is not always so easy, nor is striking a balance between realism and whimsy as I was aiming for here.<br />
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Thank you for being such a wonderful inspiration to us all, Tracey! I hope that you enjoy the holiday season with your family, and that this coming year is full of renewed health and energy for you.<br />
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Thank you also to Kristin and Eva for continuing to host Paint Party Friday and provide the opportunity to share our art with such an amazingly supportive and inspiring group of artists.<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-50266881776863029442013-11-21T22:03:00.000-08:002013-11-21T22:03:12.841-08:00A week of table top drawing and painting<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three Vases<br />colored pencil drawing on black paper</td></tr>
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Do you ever set limits for yourself that you later realize are somewhat arbitrary and perhaps more than a little silly? I seem to be good at that one. Case in point -- for a long time, I've had the idea that I am not interested in still life drawing and painting. Maybe it's because I had to do so many still life drawings of boring subjects (cones, balls, cubes) in drawing classes long ago. Anyway, because I enjoyed Diane Culhane's <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/diane-culhanes-between-speech-silence/">Between Speech and Silence Class </a>last summer, I couldn't resist signing up for her latest class, "<a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/a-brand-new-class-by-diane-culhane/">Table Top Drawing and Painting</a>."<br />
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We've been drawing what's on our dinner table in our sketch books, gathering up fun items to draw from around our homes and in general having a fantastic time with what I used to think was boring. I'm seeing more things around me every day to draw and paint.<br />
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This painting, done in acrylic on gessoed watercolor paper is giving me hope that I am making progress with acrylics. Diane is teaching us to glaze, using gel medium, leading to some beautiful transparency and luminosity.<br />
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I'll be sad for this class to come to an end, but thrilled with the new inspiration it's given me to have fun with drawing and painting the things around me in my everyday life.<br />
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Thanks for stopping by! I always appreciate your comments.<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-15179479620644961882013-11-09T09:22:00.001-08:002013-11-09T09:22:38.656-08:00To Sell or Not to Sell?I'll admit it - I'm a little afraid to try selling my art. I go back and forth about it, toying with the idea, dabbling in it a bit, but not wholeheartedly trying to sell. The business side of it terrifies me -- I'm just not that interested in numbers -- surprise, surprise -- as I'm sure many artists feel. I have sold a few pieces here and there, more by accident than by clear intention on my part. It's scary to put yourself out there! So today, I've taken one small step in that direction. I've listed some of my work at <a href="http://society6.com/DebbieSmithArt">Society6.</a> I'll be updating my profile there and hopefully adding more work soon. It's a cool site, very easy to use.<br /><br />I'd like to sell originals of my work, but that also terrifies me. There is so much to learn about the matting and framing side of it, not to mention figuring out where to sell and how to price my work. I guess I am easily overwhelmed. And, like most artists, I'd much rather be happily creating and not bothering my mind with the pesky details of business.<br />
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Do you sell your work? How did you get started? What has been the best part of this process for you? Any advice to the inexperienced seller?<br />
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<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-70463934256274563122013-11-07T20:09:00.000-08:002013-11-07T22:10:42.119-08:00Night and Day: Mixed Media Altered Book Pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a blustery, stormy week in my neck of the woods. I'm busy with work now, and summer seems like a distant memory. I'm thinking back longingly tonight as I look at the paintings I did in Diane Culhane's excellent <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/diane-culhanes-between-speech-silence/" target="_blank">Between Speech and Silence Class</a>. We were supposed to be painting on wood panels for this exercise, but decided that an altered book I'd started way back when would be fun to use for a side-by-side spread, one cool and one warm.<br />
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I found some wonderful patterns browsing through an old Real Simple magazine that became fabulous leaves for my trees. Then came adding the figures to suggest dialog, in this case a bird and woman resting by a tree. I don't usually consider myself a storyteller with my art, so this was a new direction for me. I love creating the suggestion of a story for the viewer to complete with their imagination.<br />
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Did I mention how much fun I had doing these paintings? Looking at them now makes me want to drop everything and get my paints out. The weekend is almost here!<br />
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I'm linking this with <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Paint Party Friday</a>. Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I always enjoy your comments.<br />
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-57868677283753928192013-10-28T12:38:00.001-07:002013-10-28T12:40:47.961-07:00Take back your heart - Art Journal PageThis is a page in <a href="http://debbiesmithart.blogspot.com/search/label/Autumn" target="_blank">journal </a>made from a mail art catalog I'd started over a year ago but hadn't finished. After seeing some of the lovely work in <a href="http://art-journal-journey.blogspot.co.at/2013/10/10-2013-she-art-feminin.html" target="_blank">Suzi's October Art Journal Journey</a>, I was inspired to join in. The theme is 'she art', which I had to research a bit -- 'not sure if I got it right or not, but it was fun anyway -- along with the concept of feminine.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aBrsBsNOzg/Um6sK4N09sI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/qIa_L3rlP4A/s1600/IMG_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aBrsBsNOzg/Um6sK4N09sI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/qIa_L3rlP4A/s320/IMG_1945.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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There are many directions to go with this theme. This lovely woman was already on the page and is very feminine to me, along with some flowers, because what could be more feminine than flowers? I started looking through a magazine for words and further inspiration, which lead to the discovery of this image of the earth in hand that I decided would look nice with the overall color scheme.<br />
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From there, came the challenge of tying everything together with the theme which somehow brought to mind these words from William Wordsworth: </div>
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The world is too much with us; late and soon,</div>
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Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;—</div>
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Little we see in Nature that is ours;</div>
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We have given our hearts away,<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; text-indent: -1em;">"</span></div>
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Using poetry in my art always makes me happy. Wordsworth wrote this poem in the 1800's and yet his words are perhaps even more relevant for us today than they were during his lifetime. The idea of reclaiming our hearts through a connection with nature seems very beautiful, peaceful and feminine to me. </div>
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Thanks much to Suzi for hosting this challenge, and thank you for visiting my blog. I always love seeing the other beautiful artwork out there, and for your comments.</div>
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-87030903474514226992013-10-25T06:53:00.000-07:002013-10-25T06:53:16.240-07:00Cityscape, Wabi-Sabi Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partial Clearing<br />mixed media on 8" x 8" canvas</td></tr>
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In the wabi-sabi style, textures are rough, colors are subdued and mystery is admired. That's what I had in mind while working on this painting. For texture, I pressed wire mesh into modeling paste. I hadn't used modeling paste previously and was surprised at how long it takes to dry! But the texture is great. I also have some wonderful, gauzy paper that looks so beautiful in collage. I'm not sure if I'm finished yet with this one or not -- I'd like to build up the layers of paint toward the top, but I don't want to over do it, or ruin what I already am liking about this piece. </div>
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Thanks so much for stopping by -- I always appreciate your comments!</div>
<br />Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-60305922069949729512013-10-09T08:41:00.001-07:002013-10-10T22:10:43.118-07:00The Evolution of a Gel PrintThis story begins here, with a few solid colors printed on a piece of watercolor paper.<br />
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There were so many things I liked about this original print. The colors are soothing and the overall composition is quite nice. I could have stopped here and been happy. In fact, it may be fair to say I should have stopped here, or at least been a bit more cautious as I proceeded. But as you can see, I forged madly ahead with handmade stencils and more passes on the plate until I ended up here:</div>
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Yikes! This definitely falls into the it-seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time category. Even so, I really love how the bottom half came out. As I looked more at this print, I decided it had a split personality and I wasn't sure what to do to make everything work together. So, I cropped my favorite parts, ending up with three smaller pieces.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The beauty of printing on watercolor paper, is that it's sturdy enough for collage. I ended up doing a lot of collage on this part of the print.</span></div>
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There was a lot I liked in this section, but I wasn't so happy with the red and gold, so again collage came to the rescue!</div>
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And finally, my favorite part of the original print:</div>
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For a very process-oriented artist, as I tend to be, this is such a satisfying and enjoyable way to work. </div>
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I'm linking this to <a href="http://acolorfuljourney.com/?p=7823" target="_blank">Carolyn Dube's Colorful Gelli Print Party</a> and to <a href="http://paintpartyfriday.blogspot.com/2013/10/paint-party-friday-week-31-year-3-check.html" target="_blank">Paint Party Friday</a>. Check them both out to see all of the wonderfully creative things people are doing with paint! Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I always appreciate your comments.</div>
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Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-36444954671614674832013-10-08T19:18:00.000-07:002013-10-08T20:36:40.697-07:00Gelli Plate Monoprint<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-HqBm0zgybuLRSsJ4eo54K9wShmG0vW2XgSv2vL75fFumjDn_UJOUOS9GbXIr2_wTxfaXOaWdQ9KPqu5EAPJapRHvIY8EVJ6Suo3d_L3m7O3v5cdApgLhaH0NbG8bI3dsErCNgZlEhs/s1600/166051_567230433325504_1063161008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-HqBm0zgybuLRSsJ4eo54K9wShmG0vW2XgSv2vL75fFumjDn_UJOUOS9GbXIr2_wTxfaXOaWdQ9KPqu5EAPJapRHvIY8EVJ6Suo3d_L3m7O3v5cdApgLhaH0NbG8bI3dsErCNgZlEhs/s320/166051_567230433325504_1063161008_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's hard to imagine anything much more relaxing and fun than playing with the gelli plate. I've had mine over a year and so far I've used it primarily to make collage papers. But after taking Carla Sonheim's <a href="http://www.carlasonheim.com/intro-to-gelli-plate-printmaking/" target="_blank">Gelli Plate Printmaking Introductory online class</a>, I've learned some new techniques to use with the plate to make monoprints that are beautiful pieces of art in their own right. This print is on watercolor paper, made with simple handmade stencils. </div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7453300560559840909.post-66614824424666865022013-09-28T19:00:00.000-07:002013-09-28T19:16:31.049-07:00Face #20: Resist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you tried using a resist yet?<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AyalaArt?fref=ts" target="_blank"> Ayala</a> asked this in a post on Facebook today, which reminded me that I hadn't tried using a resist. So thanks to Ayala for suggesting this. I love using crayon resists with watercolor. It's like magic when you paint over the crayon and the lines appear. I did use a reference for this face, which I am finding very helpful, even if I am not striving for realism or an exact likeness. As I worked on this face, I added shading and details with pencil and marker. The leaf shapes were an unexpected bonus in her hair that I couldn't, um, resist. </div>
Debbiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16801531027698899120noreply@blogger.com5