It's been a scrambled week...

...and I feel like I've accomplished little in the studio.  I did manage to mangle the last length of painted cheesecloth into a tall vase, with mixed results.

While I do like the colour and shape of the vase (it's about 8 1/2" tall with a 9" flare at the top), the challenges of getting the vase out of the protective plastic around the glass without tearing the cheesecloth were legion, and I may need to leave the vase in there for strength and support.

I did manage to get started on adding greenery to the vases on the Tracy Verdugo Playful Painter lesson, and will likely do more on that this week...there are so many possibilities.

 

I've done a few more collages in my mini journal, and realize there are only six more to do in this final signature  That means it won't be too long before I can go back and start adding embellishments in odd bits of time.  This first one is much quieter than my norm.

I always love seeing these painted dryer sheet backgrounds - the texture just makes me happy.

And of course, I can't help but enjoy the colour on this one.

I'm also putting together a 'Pokemon Poster Kit' for my grandson's birthday on Saturday.  We'll be heading over the pass for a day trip, and I've got my fingers crossed that the larch have started to turn colour.  It's one of my favourite drives when the gold burns against the green.

Happy week to you - may your autumn be as colourful as you desire!  

 

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!  

When I experiment...

 ...in the studio I learn so much about what works, and what does not.  Some play this week with painted cheesecloth and then dryer sheets gave me some new avenues to try when it comes to GAC400 and unusual fibres. 

The startup, regardless of fibre, just looks as gloopy as with embroidery threads.

I did have a fun play with some of the cheesecloth, though, 

and it got me wondering why I'd never incorporated any in paintings in this manner, given how much I love the softness of the way it layers.

And of course, with this week incorporating Father's Day, there was a card to be made for John.  He mentioned that it had been nearly two decades since he wore a tie, though.  😉

We attended a car show on Father's Day, and really enjoyed seeing all the vintage vehicles.  This one was John's favourite.

I was reminded of my granddaughter's perennial penchant for pink when I saw this one.

And who could resist a Mustang?

It was a very colourful week all around, as you can see, and that is, obviously, just how I like my world!