Where did that week go?

I'm darned if I can figure it out, but here we are, half a day late and running like a greyhound.  I did manage to finish a cheesecloth bowl (about 11" x 13" in width and 3 1/2" deep, with an 8" diameter).  I'm experimenting with larger sizes to see what happens, and I found out that they definitely require more than one layer to manage stability.  Rather like people, I think. 

It certainly can make the bottom layer just as interesting as the top, I think.

I made some progress on the first lesson in Tracy Verdugo's Playful Painter, although I'm thinking it looks more like a dog's breakfast than a start to a vases painting.  We'll see, and I remain hopeful.  

There are parts of it that I find interesting,

although I do need to learn how to control the spray on the water bottle.  

It feels like the whole area contains tiny worlds or galaxies, and goodness knows that's always been a pull for me.

Regardless of what happens with this, it's been fun to experiment and play.

I made some progress on Owen's Pikachi painting, so there's hope for that as well.

And I finished that tag that was in progress last week.  It received a slice of the blue-green Clear Tar Gel bit when it dried.

Thanks to those of you who encouraged me to get off the Procrastination Pony.  May your week have been as free of it as has mine.  ☺️  
 

I've been feeling a bit cheesie...

...but not the eating kind.  I mentioned last week that I hoped to get some more cheesecloth thingies made, and while not completely finished I did have some fun.  The warm side of the spectrum produced this cloth,

and then I did it with blues and yellows for a cooler look.

I always enjoy the textural aspect left on the butcher paper when things are dried,

so I poured some Clear Tar Gel on top of that and waited for it to dry.  I lifted the circle of plasticy goodness, and added it to a tag to finish later.

I started another vase, and while it's looking a gloppy mess right now, I think it's going to be rather pretty when dried.

I've got some lovely blue/green textural play coming up with the leftovers on that butcher paper too,

and have already started another blob with the Clear Tar Gel.  

Of course, I'm not 'supposed' to be doing this at all - I've several projects on the go, and some of them have deadlines to be managed.  Please send all Anti-Procrastination Energy my way, so I get back on track with things that really need doing.  In the meantime, I'll be over here drooling over cheesecloth texture and the infinite possibilities it contains!  Happy creative week to you all.  

Is it just me...

...or is the summer flying by at the speed of light?  We nearing the middle of August and nothing seems to slow it down. It seems I have to play faster, so that's what I've been doing.

Normally, I'd wait until I had a ton of paint left from a session before starting more painted cheesecloth, but I just decided to pour it all out because I wanted to.

Given the results make me so happy, I'm glad I did.  

And just for fun, I might do it again this week on the cool side of the palette.

Of course, that's just because I managed to get another cheesecloth vase made using the last of my painted cheesecloth, so had to make more.

The vase is about 6 1/2" in height by about 9 1/2 inches wide at the top.  Given the 2" diameter base, I'm delighted that it stands straight and tall.  

I'm really hoping that I can get another one done this week, so do please send me cheesecloth-painting energy to the max!!

While I 'painted' the cheesecloth with Golden High Flow Acrylics, I've also been experimenting with acrylic inks before tackling one of Tracy Verdugo's Playful Painter exercises.  My ink selection is rather sparse, so I'm looking for a palette that will make my eyes and heart happy.  I think the top centre(ish) will work just fine.

I've also got my eye on a birdhouse outside our condo, and it looks to me as though it would make a good collage when I get all my ducks  birds in a row.  At the rate the summer's moving, though, that's likely to be mid-winter!

I hope your summer is moving a little more slowly for you, and that your creativity is blooming along with it.  Happy week to you all.  🔆😎🔆  

It may not have been...

...a highly productive week in the studio, but I've managed at the least to get some juicy thoughts on the tables.

Owen's  fifth birthday is coming up soon, and his request this year for his birthday painting is Pikachu.  If you're as cartoon-challenged as am I, the link will give you an explanation.  😉

I found a painted cheesecloth in the studio that will be a great experiment with more GAC400 for a little larger vase.  Wish me luck!

I've finished two of the five signatures in my mini collage 'travel ' journal.  I'd say it's time to get the other two done, don't you think?

I've half a dozen watercolour sheets (12 x 16") being pressed, for some Tracy Verdugo Playful Painter lessons.  I'm feeling anticipatory to the max.

And I've got one ready to go just as soon as I can find the mojo and time!

I'm auditioning some elements for a painting, and being totaly underwhelmed by this look.  Thinking, thinking, thinking.

Our July was so lovely, I've been spending more time outside, and less in the studio.  I thought you'd enjoy seeing some of our surroundings.

Our sunrises have been glorious recently,

and the combination of sunshine and rain have made the gardens particularly glorious.  It almost makes me want to take up gardening in my spare time.  🤣😂😅

Sending you wishes for an outstanding August and a gentle leadup into fall - another beautiful season.  Happy creating, however you're doing it!