Polymer Clay Sea Life?

16 x 20 wrapped canvas, polymer clay, air dry polymer clay, PaperClay, felting, beads, dried moss, netting, crocheted wire spirals, leather spirals, string, acrylic paint, glue and I don't know what else is in there!

Sure was fun.

Inner Strength

October was breast cancer awareness month; this painting evolved from that.  I used the netting to depict the feeling of being trapped.  Physically, her right breast removed, loss of weight, color has changed and she has lost her hair.  Emotionally, scared beyond words, she feels emasculated, her femininity gone, and yet, she turns her nose up at it all.  She puts one foot in front of the other and fights.  She is proud of the strength that comes from being who she is; a woman.

Organic Abstract

 I loom knitted the organic shapes and attached them to this large painting.  I used spackling paste and acrylic paints to create texture on the canvas.   The shapes are all open, except one.  It is closed up.  It is one of my favorites.

However, at our local art fair, people just could not deal with the open spaces.  Almost every comment was, "Well, what do you put in these holes?"  I had 4 separate suggestions to put some nests and birds in them.  One person thought it was one of those games where you throw a ball in the circles and asked me if there was a ball that went with it.  It was the first time I had to explain many times that an abstract has no specific meaning.  It is more about concept, movement, lines, patterns, shapes, color or textures; the simplicity or exaggeration of one or all.  That an abstract allows the viewer to experience it and interpret it his own way--different from anyone else's version.  What I found most interesting was how uncomfortable people were with the empty spaces.  There was a compulsion to "fill an empty space with something".  Interesting, right?

Violet Eyes

No papers, but a lot of gel mediums and the use of a comb to create textures.

Abstract Portrait

As I used some crazy textured papers, gels and heavy acrylics and soon this painting took on a life of its own.

Old Friends

I attended an art demonstration by Aileen Garvey.  As she demonstrated her skill in using florescent acrylic paints, she talked about her paintbrushes.  There were so many that should be thrown away, but, she said, she just couldn't part with them.  She smiled and said they were like old friends she wanted to hang on to.

 Her paintings are vibrant, full of life, expressive pieces that keep the eye moving throughout the compositions.

 It was a wonderful time spent with friends observing and learning from this gifted artist.

Displays

 I used Apoxie Sculpt to create some "U" shaped hooks and then painted them to blend into the painting.   It has sparked an idea of using some small mixed media pieces as the hooks so that when the jewelry was removed, the painting would stand on its own.

 The art fair is a lot of work, but when it is over, I am so psyched to do another just based on the nice people I meet who take time to talk.

 As I am aging, I realize my time and health are limited and it is only a matter of time that I will not be able to an art fair.  Enjoying this past fair was a treat.  I am thankful.

Polymer Cross #1

 I love these colors.  Below was the beginning of the painting process of the crosses the the fairy door pendant (click HERE).  That ugly container on the left has been my brush cleaner for the past 17 years; just can't part with it.  I used acrylics and some Rub & Buff to highlight the crosses.  I use a very light spritz of PYMII as a sealant.

Sketchbook Page

 Colored Pencils, pen & ink, Sharpie markers and Golden Fluid acrylic paint.

Rich Patina

 The patina on this piece resulted in a rich, colorful surface giving it depth and light.

I hope to do more of these.

In Memory

In memory of the 19 firefighters who died battling
the Yarnell Arizona wildfire
Donations:  www.azfoundation.org/yarnellfire

Betrayal

One of the abstract collages I did for the art fair.  I was inspired by the story of Judas, his cowardly act of betrayal.  I started thinking about spineless people who go along with the crowd, intentionally hurting another. Or those who keep silent because they don't want to get involved; don't want to rock the boat; inadvertently hurting another.  My slouching figure cannot rightfully hold his head high.  He cowardly hides behind "anonymous".  He faces away from the light.  He has no eyes, ears or mouth because he cannot see, hear or speak the truth.  No hands or feet due to his inability to make amends.  Good Friday has me deep thinking.  Happier thoughts tomorrow (promise).

Mixed Media Painting

"For God and Country" is one of the mixed media paintings I'm finishing up for our local art fair March 23.  I'm also working on polymer clay pieces and a new display for my booth.  Every surface is covered with projects in progress.  It's visually overwhelming, but I'm so excited, having so much fun and in hyper drive.  The hubby, not so much.

Painting, Polymer & Magnets

 The background for the polymer clay tile is an acrylic painting I did of the polymer clay cane patterns on the tile.

By using a magnet on the back of the canvas, I can change the position of the tile.

Magnetic Polymer Art

A 15" x 48" painting I textured and painted in acrylics.  I drilled out a small circle about the size of a nickel on the back of the wooden squares and circles (tiles).  I applied polymer clay canes to the fronts and baked them.  After they were cooled, I painted them and glued super magnets in them.

I hold the tile on the front of the canvas while I place the super magnet behind the canvas.

 The super magnet is strong enough to hold the polymer covered tiles on the canvas.  They're moveable and interchangeable.

Above is a super magnet on the back of a smaller painting just to show you its placement.  If you get tired of the magnetic polymer clay tiles on the canvas, you can turn your refrigerator into a piece of art.

Jewelry Display

I'm in California spending time with friends and family who are nurturing my soul and lifting my spirits.  So a post of an abstract painting I made as a display for this bead crochet rope.  Be back soon.  Hope your holiday season has started out with kindness and joy!

Abstract Jewelry Display

I am using some of my abstract paintings as jewelry displays.  They were a big a bit hit Saturday at our local art fair here in Sun City West, Arizona.

Landscape-Impressionism

I competed in my second plein air painting competition on Saturday. Got up early to pack the car and be at registration at 8:00 A.M. Paintings were to be completed, framed with a wire hanger and displayed on an easel by 3:00 P.M. with judging at 4:30. I sat in the park having a great time painting all day. The BEST part of my day was a little boy about 6 years old who watched me for a while and talked. He was curious about why I was painting outside and not at home and why it didn't look real, etc. We talked on an off while I painted; his mother and sister not far. I kept grunting in frustration and he asked what was the matter. I said I was upset because the wind was blowing and my paints were drying faster than I could get them on the canvas. He was quiet, then moved closer, touched my arm and said, "I don't know how to stop the wind." He was so cute trying to solve my problem. Sweet moments in life. I didn't win a prize, but I felt like it.

Abstract Portrait

I tried to balance the color with the highly textured, bold brushstrokes and lines of tension. It also sold at the fair. The woman who bought it said the face gave her strength; it was spiritual for her. I am always grateful when someone shares their reasons for purchasing a piece of art.

Abstract "Patinas"

This one was one of my favorites. A copper bronze with a rusty, verdigris patina. I blew through a straw to get the paint to move in different directions. I was very happy that the person who bought it really loved it. Made me feel so good.