Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Have You Seen These Art Gallery


Kae of Kae1Crafts has ever so kindly included my little Red Coral Zig Zag Fish ACEO in her latest treasury on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=29867


I'm honored to be included. That's very thoughtful of her. (Click it quick; the treasury expires on January 2.)


Kae has a couple of wonderful Etsy shops; take a minute and shop by:


http://Kae1Crafts.etsy.com/

http://Kae1Supplies.etsy.com/


Get an up-close look at my little fishy here:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19090141

Happy New Year Treasury on Etsy


Linda James, aka "flameonglass", was kind enough to include my New Year's Eve ACEO in her recent Etsy treasury*:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=29813

Wasn't that nice of her?

Click it quick; the treasury expires January 2.


Visit Linda's Etsy shop at
http://flameonglass.etsy.com for really cool lampwork beads.

Get a closer look at my ACEO here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18014912



*Treasuries are lists of 12 items for sale on Etsy compiled by members of the community. Members can make a treasury based on favorite items, a cool theme, or any other criteria they like. Only a limited number of treasuries are allowed at any one time, and they expire after only a couple days.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Coffee Cups, Updated


I've tried something a little different with the coffee cups. The coffee cups themselves are done with colored pencil on paper. To give them a little more weight, I mounted the paper onto a canvas-covered artist's board called Pannelli Telati. I painted the board with acrylics in colors to complement the cups.

The coffee cups are 4 x 6 inches; the board is 5x7.

I'm much happier with this now. It needed the extra substance from the board.

Wordle Word Cloud

Kathleen Harrington just found a site that turns your web site into a tag cloud. Much as I love words, I couldn't resist trying it out.

Click the image below to see my blog turned into a "word cloud". Clever, huh?






Or go directly here:


http://www.wordle.net/gallery/wrdl/410162/LifeNeedsArt


See Kathleen's word cloud on her blog here: http://kathleenharrington.blogspot.com/2008/12/wordle.html

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas!


I wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market!




5 to 9 PM
December 20
871 Canterbury, Westlake, Ohio 44145
Get more details on their web site


Cleveland Handmade is enabling, maybe even encouraging, holiday shopping procrastination with a LAST MINUTE handmade market. Many of the sellers presenting will be offering special deals and pricing, just for the show!

Come support your local artists and craftspeople while you enjoy wine, refreshments and a fun, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There will be something (handmade!) for just about everyone on your list.


Cleveland Handmade members’ shops specialize in a wide range of fine and funky craft, including jewelry, clothing, handbags and other accessories, fiber arts, handmade glass, ceramics, paintings, prints, photography, home decor, bath and body products and repurposed vintage pieces.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Grand Opening of My Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
lifeneedsart

Ta Da!! I now have a new online storefront where my artwork is posted for browsing and purchasing: http://lifeneedsart.etsy.com .

Etsy is a place to buy handmade items -- nothing mass produced or commercial. It's a great place to find unique, one-of-a-kind items.


I've opened a shop with snowflake ACEOs*, and will be adding more paintings frequently, both ACEO size and larger. Please stop by and browse around.


Grand Opening Special: Shipping is FREE through 2008!


The Etsy shop is for originals; each item is unique. Once they're gone, they're gone! It's intended to complement my gift shop, which is
for printed items such as coffee mugs and t-shirts. I'll keep both shops open and fully stocked.




*Art Cards, Editions, Originals (ACEOs) are small but complete works of art. They have a rich artistic history and are a highly collectible art form.

ACEOs must be 2.5 x 3.5 inches, no more, no less.

They are as individual as the artists who create them. They can be originals or prints, B&W or color, paint, pencil, watercolor, collage, ink, fabric, metal, digital. The list could go on.

I find they're a great way to get the creative juices flowing. The tiny size is challenging. They need to be strong enough to stand as finished artworks, but can sometimes become the inspiration for larger paintings.


Thursday, November 27, 2008

2009 Calendar Is Here, With All New Paintings


The 3rd annual Life Needs Art calendar is here! Each month shows a different painting done in the past year -- no repeats from previous years. The months have everything from snowflakes to abstracts to pumpkins, and even a chicken! (Yes, check out September. I love my chicken.)

Calendars are available for $16.99 in my gift shop through my web site or directly at this address:

http://www.cafepress.com/life_needs_art.327864360





Thursday, November 20, 2008

Kaleidoscope at Summit Artspace

Meet the Artists Opening Reception
November 21
6-8 PM


Nov 22-Jan 3

Gallery open Thurs-Sat, noon-5pm during exhibitions

Free admission & parking



Summit Artspace
140 E. Market St.

Akron, OH 44308

www.summitartspace.org

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Over the River Winter Exhibit


The Log Cabin Gallery
1671 Main Street
(in back up North Canal)

Peninsula, OH 44264

330-657-2670

www.thelogcabingallery.com

November 28 thru December 21
Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays

Including Monday thru Thursday, December 15, 16, 17, 18

11 am until 5 pm


EXHIBITING ARTISTS

Pat Bakos, Gemstone Trees

Sarrah Becker, Glass Designs


Susan Begin, Mixed Media


Gabriele Bryant, Stained Glass


Sofia Calderwood, Jewelry


Don Carroll, Jr., Wood Works


Lorna D’Atri, Purses, Hand-Knit Scarves & Hats


Barbara Franzreb, Decorative Painting


Tamara Gunnels, Tree Charms & Art Glass


Joyce Harrington, Mixed Media


Marti Higgins, Paintings


Wendy A. Houlahan, Pottery


Roseanne Klimo, Stone Jewelry


Dawn-Lyn Kovalchick, Decorative Art


Patrick Livengood, Hand Forged Iron Work


Russ O’Brien, Art Glass


Diane Seskes, Photography


Lucille Seskes, Traditional Quilting & Piecing


Paula Singleton, Hats & Vintage Button Jewelry


Jim Spencer, Wood Bowls & Carvings


Diane Taninecz, Handcrafted Jewelry


Gwen Waight, Mixed Media


Audrey Winkler, Handcrafted Jewelry


David Zeager, Fine Woodworking


Monday, November 17, 2008

Coffee Cups


I was playing around with my colored pencils last night and came up with this. It's layers and layers of red, blue, green, yellow, rose, and even some light blue on paper. The paper has a laid (woven) texture, which holds the pencil on top of the pattern -- it doesn't fill in. I rather like it that way.

I'm not entirely sure this is finished, so I'll have to look at it for a few days to make up my mind.

This is 4 x 6 inches.

Sunday, November 09, 2008

Holiday Ornaments


Thinking about your holiday shopping? Here are some perfect gift ideas: ceramic ornaments printed with my original designs -- snowflakes, flowers, abstracts -- all bright and colorful. Very popular for office gifts or hostess gifts.

See them all here:

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Opportunity Knocks - An Artist’s Networking Event

Just heard about this event. Sounds like an excellent opportunity with lots of valuable info. Go to http://www.cityartproject.org/ for the full details and online registration. Here's a teaser:

Opportunity Knocks - An Artist’s Networking Event
Friday, November 7th

9:00am to 4:00pm @ Musica

Reserve your seats now! Tickets to this event are only $45.00 in advance and you can purchase them online now at
http://www.cityartproject.org - Seating is limited!

If you are ready to MAKE YOUR ART CAREER actually work, if you are ready to take your art business to the next level, you need to come to this event! YOU will have a day full of information, and networking that can take your art business to the places you have never imagined it could go. Whether you are involved in an arts organization, a not for profit, or you are an individual artist looking for a better understanding, or if it is simply time to “jump-start” your life, this event is guaranteed to help you. Be sure to bring your business cards to this event!

You will get to talk to and share ideas with:


Tony Troppe - Local business owner, gallery owner, and developer
Suzie Graham - Director of Arts and Children's activities for the City of Akron
Alex Nicholis - Curator of the Massillon Museum
Gary Lockwood - Co-Creator of Standing Rock Cultural Center, and consultant for the Ohio Arts Counsel
todd v - Artist and Director for City Art Project, Inc.
and... Maybe even a couple more surprise guests!!

For more information or directions to the event please call 330.671.3792 - Please forward this information on to the artists you know.

Visit
http://www.cityartproject.org for more information!

Download the PDF at: http://www.toddv.com/CAP-site/OppKnocks.pdf

The Freakishly Short Animation Festival

Thursday, October 23, 2008
7 PM
Akron Art Museum
Admission is free

It’s seventy minutes of short, mostly Halloween-themed animated films from around the world; check out the trailer at
www.akronfilmfestival.com.

www.akronfilmfestival.com
www.akronartmuseum.org

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Artist Reception for Dino Massaroni

The public is invited to an
Akron Life & Leisure Meet The Artist Reception
to celebrate the art of
Dino Massaroni
and view his work

October 16 from 6-8 P.M.
at
Mocha Maiden Gallery
Akron, Ohio

On Maiden Lane (behind the Everett Building corner of N. Main & E. Market) or also an entrance on North High Street.

Parking available in the city deck across from the art museum on South High Street

The artwork will be on display through November 1.

Thursday, October 02, 2008

International Artist Day: October 25


October 25 has been selected as International Artist Day. It's purpose is:

This worldwide tribute to artists will honor and bring recognition to the contributions they have made to civilization.


The official web site has lots of suggestions for supporting the arts that day:



Stay tuned for how I'll be celebrating and suggestions on how you can join in.

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

White Pumpkins



Ran across this cool site called "Different Strokes from Different Folks". The idea is that the creator, Karin Jurick, posts a photo once a week and then asks that folks try doing an interpretation of the photo. The idea is not to copy the photo exactly, but to use it as a starting point for an artwork. She will post the results. So far, this week's entry has drawn dozens results.

Check out the original photo of the pumpkins and everyone's artworks here:

http://differentstrokesfromdifferentfolks.blogspot.com/

My interpretation is this purple version, done in colored pencils on a 4x6 inch paper.

Monday, September 29, 2008

Arts and Culture, Akron

Just a few of the arts events happening soon:

24th Annual Northeast Ohio Regional Juried Painting Exhibition
Cuyahoga Valley Art Center
330-928-8092
October 6-30, 2008
www.cvartcenter.org


Fresh & Spooky
Meet-the-Artists Opening, Friday, October 3rd, 5-7pm
Summit Artspace
330-376-8480
October 3 - November 8
www.summitartspace.org

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Call for Entries: Drawing Annual, Manifest Galleries

4th Annual INTERNATIONAL DRAWING ANNUAL

A Competitive Annual Publication of Works of Contemporary Drawing and Writing About Drawing


Deadline December 31.

The International Drawing Annual is an extension of Manifest's Drawing Center activities. Its goal is to support the recognition, documentation, and publication of excellent, current, and relevant works of drawing from around the world. A natural question will be "what is drawing?" and that is exactly the question the Annual is meant to investigate from year to year. Furthermore the goal is to ask "what is exceptional drawing?" Therefore submissions are expected to vary, including a range of drawing types, from the most academic to the most experimental, but all with some relevance to the artists' honest understanding of the practice of "drawing."


With the inclusion of a call for writing about drawing Manifest eagerly pursues a deeper understanding of how drawing is realized, discussed, and interpreted in contemporary society. Works of writing will be selected to complement the artwork chosen for inclusion in the publication.


Complete entry info here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/inda2008


Printable PDF form/prospectus here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/inda2008/inda_2008.pdf


Learn about previous volumes of the INDA here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/nda

Call For Entries: Contemporary Printmaking, Manifest Galleries

Contemporary Printmaking, Manifest Galleries: An international call for works of contemporary printmaking

Deadline November 7.

Like photography, printmaking is a genre of creative work that is underscored by its processes. Some artists are steadfast traditionalists, anchoring themselves in age-old technical methods. Others push the boundaries of the discipline, exploring just what constitutes ‘printmaking’. In this exhibit Manifest will call to artists to submit works of contemporary printmaking, and will strive to explore the range of methods and results currently being achieved within the bounds of such processes, including traditional and non-traditional approaches.


Complete entry info here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/print


Printable PDF form/prospectus here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/print/prospectus_print.pdf

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Call for Entries: Terra Firma, Manifest Galleries

TERRA FIRMA
An International Competitive Survey of Approaches to Landscape

Deadline October 3rd


Terra Firma will focus on interpretations of a theme not yet thoroughly explored by Manifest. Landscape can be so very widely interpreted and expressed. From the most observational depictions of geographic locations to conceptual or nearly abstract spaces, landscapes are generally considered works representing real or imagined 'land' or natural spaces. However, even larger scale architectural conceptions, or combinations of the natural and man-made are often categorized as such. Therefore, Manifest invites artists to submit contemporary works in any medium that explores the concept or subject of Landscape.

Complete entry info here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/terrafirma

Printable PDF form/prospectus here.
http://www.manifestgallery.org/terrafirma/prospectus_terrafirma.pdf

Manifest Creative Research Gallery
and Drawing Center
2727 Woodburn Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
513-861-3638
www.manifestgallery.org

Monday, September 22, 2008

Call for Artists: Mini Your Work 2008, Utrecht Art Supplies

The Utrecht store in Cleveland Heights is sponsoring a show of miniature artworks in November. Here are the details direct from them:

DETAILS: After having 2 very successful "Your Work" shows, we have decided to host "Mini Your Work '08." Join us for the opening reception where you can help promote your small works to the public. Prizes will be awarded during the opening reception on November 13, 2008. Great discounts will be given to all submitting artists. Sales of the mini works will be in cash or check only with the total amount of the purchase price going directly to you.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to all artists of any level. Submissions must have been created in the last 5 years. Artwork cannot exceed 7 inches in either height or width (including matting and framing). Largest accepted work will be 7"x7". Artwork must be appropriate for all ages. Artwork must be hand delivered, no shipped entries. Artwork must be easy to hang.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES: Artist may submit up to four entries with a non-refundable entry fee of $2 per piece (cash, check, or credit cards, no money orders). Actual art can be submitted to Utrecht Art Supplies during normal store hours from October 26 to November 8, 2008. You will be supplied with an entry form when you drop off your artwork. Each piece needs to have a sale price or be marked "NFS" (not for sale).

PRIZES: There will be four prizes: First Place $35 gift card, Second Place $25 gift card, Third Place $15 gift card, and Community Pick $30 gift card.

IMPORTANT DATES:
October 25 thru November 8, 2008 - Hand deliver artwork during normal business hours
November 9, 2008 - Notification of acceptance/rejection (decisions are non-negotiable)
November 8-13, 2008 - Judging for Community Pick Winner
November 9-13, 2008 - Pick up for non-selected submissions
November 13, 2008 - Opening reception and awards presentation
December 5-9, 2008 - Hand retrieval of artwork during normal store hours


VISIT THE UTRECHT BLOG FOR MORE INFORMATION AS THE DATES APPROACH www.cleveland.utrechtblog.com

Utrecht Art Supplies Cleveland
1798 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
(216) 371-3500

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Ohio Collage Society 2nd Annual Exhibit

The Ohio Collage Society, local affiliate of the National Collage Society
marks its 1st anniversary by sponsoring the 2nd annual Member's Show at
Mansfield Art Center in Mansfield , Ohio. Opening ceremonies will take place on Sunday September 21 at 2 PM. The exhibit runs through October 26.

The Ohio Collage Society is a new organization that is currently growing
its membership. Members exhibited work at Peninsula Art Academy in 2007.

Rebecca Langley, curator of the Pearl Conrad Gallery at the Ohio State
Extension Campus, will be the awards judge for this invitational exhibition.

The show will include 2 and 3-dimensional work using a variety of collage
techniques.

The Mansfield Art Center is open Tuesday - Saturday from 11-5 and Sunday
12-5. For more information on the exhibit call the Mansfield Art Center at
419 756 1700 or visit http://www.mansfieldartcenter.org.

For information on the Ohio Collage Society email rgrace44223@yahoo.com or gretchen5262@windstream.net

Friday, September 12, 2008

Don Getz Workshop, Sept. 15, 7:30 PM

Don Getz will lead a mini-workshop on Monday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 PM. It's sponsored by the Hudson Society of Artists and will be held at the Barlow Community Center on Oviatt Street in Hudson, Ohio.

Don Getz asks that we make a series of small studies --- no bigger than 9x12 -- in the drawing media of our choice, then add color with watercolor washes, colored pencils, pastels or the media of our choice.

This will be a quick sketchbook course -- like in his new book.

HSA will have some paper and pencils available, but to get the most of the evening bring paper capable of taking color washes of the media that you usually use.

Don will also bring slides.

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Summit Artspace Workshop

Summit Artspace Workshop

Watercolor Demo with Sally Heston
&
Oil Demo with Linda Misja

Saturday, September 13
1:00-3:00 pm

Free Workshop
No registration necessary


Summit Artspace
Akron Area Arts Alliance
140 E. Market St.
Akron, Ohio 44308
330-376-8480
akronareaarts@sbcglobal.net
www.summitartspace.org

Monday, September 08, 2008

Akron Arts & Culture Highlights Sept. 8-14

This is just a sampling of the many events happening in the area. Visit www.AkronAreaArts.org for more events and details.

Hudson History Days
Saturday, Sept. 13, 8am-8pm
Re-enactments, music, demos, food
Actors Summit Theatre, 330-342-0800
www.actorssummit.org

Family Friendly Day
Saturday, Sept. 13, 10am-6pm
Historical portrayal tours
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 330-836-5533
www.stanhywet.org

Downtown @ Dusk
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:30pm, FREE
Art-making for children, art talks, music
Akron Art Museum, 330-376-9185
www.akronartmuseum.org

Watercolor & Oil Demos
Saturday, Sept. 13, 1:00pm, FREE
Women's Art League of Akron
Summit Artspace, 330-376-8480
www.summitartspace.org

Guitar Virtuoso Ernie Hawkins
Saturday, Sept. 13, GAR Hall in Peninsula
Workshop 3:30pm, Concert 7:30pm
Peninsula Art Academy, 330-657-2248
www.peninsulaartacademy.com

Pat Boas Art Lecture & Reception
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:00pm, FREE
Folk Hall, Myers School of Art
The University of Akron, 330-972-6030
www.uakron.edu/art

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

New Options for Journals


Journals are now available in 4 paper styles: blank, lined, dot grid, and task journal.

Pick your favorite cover and your favorite paper style, and your fantastic journal will be on your doorstep in a matter of days!

Select a journal and look for the "paper" drop down.

Visit http://www.lifeneedsart.com/ and click the "Gift Shop" link, or go straight to the journals.


Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Stargazer, 4 x 6



Acrylics and black and brown pen on paper, 4 x 6 inches. Started as a pen doodle, but needed some color. And I liked those vertical strips on either side. They added a nice break from the swirling energy.



Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Work in Progress: Spring Collage, Continued





The spring collage is going in a whole new direction. After looking at that clematis flower for weeks and loving it, I've decided to superimpose it on this collage. The flower will be transparent so that parts of the background show through.

The collage has a lot of floral elements -- those are stargazer lilies in the upper right quadrant (that vertical block) and a field of tulips in the lower right. That dark band through the center left is a horizon line with trees.

So I'm working through the color scheme to make the clematis colors mesh with the background. But it should be very interesting when done.

At this point, it's about 50% complete.

View previous posts:

http://lifeneedsart.blogspot.com/2008/06/work-in-progress-spring-collage.html

http://lifeneedsart.blogspot.com/2008/03/work-in-progress-spring-collage.html

Monday, August 18, 2008

Technology in the Arts National Conference

Technology in the Arts is a national conference held in Pittsburgh, PA on October 9-11, 2008. The conference gives participants the opportunity to discuss best practices as well as lessons learned, provide hands-on training, and examine new potential uses for technology in the arts.

For more information visit www.TechnologyintheArts.org

Work in Progress: Small Mandala, Continued



The small mandala turned up again. It definitely has a mind of its own and periodically goes missing. I set it down exactly where it should be, and next time I go looking for it, it's not there. Can't figure that one out.

At any rate, I'm making progress. Added some paint layers and collage elements. Compare to the first post:

http://lifeneedsart.blogspot.com/2008/02/work-in-progress-small-mandala.html

I estimate it's about 70% complete.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Clematis on the Lampost


So this isn't exactly IN my studio -- it's OUTSIDE my studio. And I've been working on it, but not as an art project. It's been my gardening project. But let's not split hairs. Let's just enjoy it.

I planted this clematis last year, and it looked pathetic all summer. Over the winter it turned into a scrawny bare stick. It was a goner for sure.

Well, this spring it greened up and started growing. And grow it did -- right up the trellis and up the lamp post and all over the place.

This bloom was the first to open. It's a full 6 inches across, at least. Here's hoping for more like it.

UPDATE, SATURDAY, JUNE 14: It's a goner. The bunnies chewed through the stalk about an inch above the ground, so the vine is dying. Very sad. I'll replace it with another one, but will put chicken wire or something around it to keep out the bunnies.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Work in Progress: Spring Collage, continued


I've made some progress on Spring Collage lately. I'd estimate that this is about 40% done. Here's the original post:

http://lifeneedsart.blogspot.com/2008/03/work-in-progress-spring-collage.html


The colors are a bit off, but probably better than the first post. Why I wait till after dark to take photos and then struggle with flash glare and color problems, I'll never know. :)

As for the other works in progress: I have not done much with the large mandala. And the small mandala has wandered off and gone missing. I'm sure it will turn up eventually.

See the original posts here:
http://lifeneedsart.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Drawing Day - June 7

Drawing Day 2008

Saturday, June 7 is Drawing Day, an informal event asking everyone to draw and post the results online. The goal is to create 1 million drawing that day.

Anyone can participate. All that's required is an interest in drawing. There are no rules other than that -- spend some time drawing, create one or as many as you like, in any medium, and then post the results online.

It sounds like fun. Saturday will be a busy day, but I'm planning to do some drawing myself. Join in!

Visit the web site for details: http://www.drawingday.org

Friday, May 23, 2008

Collage Doodle



OK, I'm into doodling lately. This is a collage doodle made of small bits of images from a magazine. It's postcard-sized: 6 x 4 inches.

I'm not entirely sure that it's finished. I might use it as a background for something else. It's a little too bright, too representational right now.

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Postcard Doodle


I'm branching out from my usual ACEO size to postcard size: 6 x 4 inches. Finally! I must be in some kind of spiral mood; even the ACEOs have been full of spirals.
This is Sakura Identi-Pen on paper. I love these pens. Two tips (fine and thick), they hold up really well, and don't dry out easily.
I have stacks of these things going. Not sure what I'll do with them. Might they be coming to a mailbox near you?


Saturday, March 01, 2008

Work in Progress: Spring Collage




This painting is 18 x 24, on canvas. It’s going to be a spring garden scene done in acrylics and paper.

I’ve taken a photo from a calendar, coated it with lots of clear acrylic medium, let that dry, and soaked the thing until the paper peeled off. The image stuck to the acrylic, becoming transparent and flexible. I tore it into several pieces, which you can see throughout the painting – it was a spring scene in a garden with tulips and fountains.

I’ve added some scraps of handmade paper that has these great little leaves embedded in it.

This one is maybe 30% done. I have several ideas for continuing it and need to pick one and pursue it.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Work in Progress - Large Mandala


I've made some progress on the first mandala and plan to have an updated photo soon.

Here is a second mandala: 16 x 20, acrylic on canvas. This one is about 20-25% along.

The blue outline around the circle is painter’s tape -- the stuff you use when painting around the moulding in the living room. I’ll remove the tape when the mandala is finished.

I’m struggling with the image inside the circle. My understanding of mandalas is that they should be Significant and Important; after all, they have spiritual and psychological connections. You just can’t treat those things lightly, right?

Those thoughts are making me afraid to touch it.

I’m not feeling all that spiritual about it, just fond. It’s never a good thing for me to get too fond of a partially finished painting. I become afraid of messing it up, so I either never finish it or continue too timidly and mess it up.

I love the colors and shapes inside the circle so far. It has a nice three-dimensional feel so far, and I like those blue fingers that reach into the center. I like it too much and am afraid to ruin it.

The interior of the circle is painted with an "interference" color -- the color changes based on the angle at which you view it. This paint appears white in some directions and blue in others.

Just had an idea for it. Hang in there. It may look very different next time you see it.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Work in Progress - Small Mandala


I’ve been waiting to post until I’ve had something Momentous to say – something of Significance that has enough Weight to be broadcast to the whole world. After all, if I’m going to blog about something, it has to be Serious and Worthy.

Yeah right. You can see how well that worked out.

So, until something like that comes along, I’ll post smaller things. I have 3 new works in progress. I’m not sure what they’ll end up looking like or even what the next steps are, but I’m pretty sure that none is more than 50% complete.

One of these new paintings is a little mandala, 7x5 inches, canvas on panel, in acrylics.

The circle is gold paint. To keep that crisp edge around it, I masked it off with blue painter’s tape: the kind of stuff you’d use around a window if you were painting the living room. I wanted to be able to paint freely in the mandala without ruining the crisp circular edge. (I removed the tape for this photo.)

This one is probably the most complete: I’d estimate 40-50% done.

Keep an eye out for progress on this one. And watch for postings of the other 2 works items. If you don’t see any progress, bug me.

Also, I’m formulating an idea for a greeting card project. I’m mulling over different ideas, trying to come up with a workable project. Once I know the details, you will know. I’m guessing it will start in March.

To learn more about mandals, visit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala or http://www.mandalaproject.org/What/Index.html . I’m interested in how Carl Jung used mandalas, but can’t find much info.