Saturday, October 31, 2009

Haunted House ~ Oct 31


I remember Halloween back in the day . . . when there was a real haunted house down the street . when you pretended you weren't scared . that sure you could walk up the cracked sidewalk . knock on the door that would surely squeek when she opened it . she being the crazy lady neighbor everyone thought was a witch . and you wouldn't scream when she gave you some candy with her bony hands and long black fingernails . and the fun you had catching your breath after you ran 3 blocks back to your house just thinking about what would really happen if you'd had the nerve to knock on her door . . .

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Halloween Witch ~ Oct 25, 2010


Spooks



There's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.
- by Sandra Liatsos

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Still Life Project ~ Oct 20, 2009

Oct. 20

. . . still sitting and reading the October issue of Watercolor Artist magazine – instead of cleaning – but I’m still in the studio – surely that counts for something! I am absolutely captivated by the article on Susan Abbott’s still life paintings. One of her paintings has over 30 objects – and the story they tell! love it love it
www.susanabbott.com, painting series, dream table

So I’ve decided to add real meaning to my re-organizing endeavor, as I clean-up I will look for subjects for my own still life painting. Normally I avoid the still life; most don’t have much in the way of life in them. But, if I start with quirky objects that tell a story, and throw away all the rules to the wind – then – I think I can!
The Little Engine That Could

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Studio ~ Oct. 16, 2009

Oct. 16
. . . still sitting. I’ve added another incriminating photo, just uploading to the guilt pile. I did clean a spot on the worktable. My muse has joined me and we would much rather be creating - re-organizing is just another word for cleaning, and neither one of us cares for that! So instead, we’re contemplating our next project, sitting here alone in our studio, trying to determine our direction, what to do, what to do . . .using our imagination, our personal imagery, what do we feel like sharing or revealing . . .

Thursday, October 15, 2009

The perils of a consumate Blurfer ~ Oct 15, 2009


Oct. 15
"Blurfer" is a blog surfer - random surfing across the waves of BlogLand - to the point of being totally lost - not knowing where I was or remembering how to get back - but today . . . while I was visiting "julie mitchellspiritfigures.blogspot.com" she directed me to http://bilderundworte.blogspot.com/ where I was totally captured by  Jeannie, the beagle who was hit by a car and is facing painful surgeries and recovery.   Look at that face - is your heart broken?                              Please visit Beate Knappe's blog where you can order a "Jeannie" postcard. The proceeds from this card will help Beate with the vet bills . . .the most amazing thing - Jeannie lives in Germany!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Re-Organizing the Studio ~ Oct 13, 2009

Oct. 13
It is written that re-organizing your studio will generate a host of creative ideas as you unearth the many things you forgot that you had.

Re-organizing the studio is my intention, but it is a huge overwhelming undertaking. Located in the garage, with easy access to the house, I use the studio as a catch-all for “all things without a home”.
I am my own worst enemy.

I’ve uploaded the incriminating photo – so now you get the picture! It could only be worse if a hurricane came through. I have documented my slovenly habits and made public this mess – thoroughly humiliated, I am forced to take responsibility and action.
I cleaned off my chair – I’m on a roll . . .

Friday, October 9, 2009

The Creative Couch Potato ~ 10.9.09

Oct 9
I re-read my last blog and thought . . .
"What a pompous prig!"
I do feel the need to set the record straight - I spend hours everyday parked in front of the TV - always have and always will!

I have seen every episode of X-Files, Northern Exposure, all the CSI's, Bones, American Idol, Project Runway, just to name a few.

"Hi, my name is Judy, and I am a TV addict!"
But, I really do practive what I preach. And when I am in TV Land, I'm drawing, sketching, cutting up magazines, organizing my collage papers, or working in my journal. Of course this doesn't justify my TV addiction, it just eases my guilt - just striving to make my wasted time not a total waste!
M A K E I T W O R K

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Back to the Creative Process 10.6.09

Oct 6
Creativity - the ideas - turning the blank canvas into a work of art -













REQUIRES
WORK WORK WORK.
You can not spend all your time curled up in front of the TV. You have to be the main character in your creativity quest.

What should I paint? - the butterflies churn in my stomach - what should my next project be? - will anyone appreciate it? - do I really want to do it ?. . .

Turn that butterfly into excitement - love the mystery of the unknown - anticipate the happy accidents - learn from the mistakes - enjoy the journey!

You need to develop work habits that will foster creativity
- have a special place/studio dedicated as your work space
- spend time daily in your studio
- draw/paint/write everyday
- keep some kind of journal/sketchbook
- spend time with other artists for support
- nurture a fellow artist (nurturing is good because you have to practice what you preach)
- experiment with what works for you

This Struggle and this Work will and should never go away even as you mature as an artist. It will always be part of your creative process, so
Embrace It, Expect It, Enjoy It!!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Key West Vacation ~ Oct 3, 2009

Oct 3rd
We had a mini vacation last weekend in Key West Florida. Hard to believe one day I was contemplating my electric blanket and the next day I'm back to flip flops and lounging by the pool! I was able to visit a few galleries on Duvall St. I love the locals and the co-ops! I had a long converation with Joan Oesterling from the Guild Hall Gallery. She is a glass artist originally from Conneticut. I bought one of her glass necklaces, I've attached a really poor photo ( because I am a really poor photographer). Whenever you can -
Support the Living Artists!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Selling Art Online ~ 10.2.09

Oct 2
It's all true - but it's not bad! Yes, there are lots of prints and cards and affordable art in Etsy. But it's not bad art that the artist can't sell, or probably should have been painted over - it's just affordable! I'm seeing OPPORTUNITY here - where marketing meets demand!

True, Etsy is not the place for my $800 Award Winning Custom Framed painting - but it is the place for a print of this painting. In this day and age, an artist has to be half businessman. The business side of me says my beautiful paintings are just commodities and I need to stop loving them so much if I want to make a living! I have a beautiful painting - why would I only sell it once when I could also sell prints and cards of the same painting - generating more income - what's wrong with that?

There are millions of buyers looking for a deal, millions of art loving buyers who can't afford the original art but could afford a print. Why not tap into that market. I don't think I'd be compromising any values there. Sounds like a win-win situation, not brain surgery!

2022

   Merry Christmas