Paintdrops

NEW BLOG/WEBSITE

2012-02-19T08:50:00.000-08:00

Hello!

This will be my last post on here :( ... but happy news... I have moved the blog to the new website-

schumacherart.com

I will still keep the archives up to view... but I'll keep you posted at the new website/ blog :)

Thanks!!!

She IS Spring, 3 ways

2012-01-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Below is the work that will be showing at the Altered Esthetics show: In Process.

"Altered Esthetics’ resident artists reveal the steps in their creative processes from idea to sketch... how artwork becomes a reality."

Show runs Jan. 5-26, 2012

1224 Quincy St NE, Mpls MN 55413 • 612.378.8888

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1pm–7pm, Saturdays 1pm–5pm

She IS Spring- Acrylic on canvas 16x20

She IS Spring- Screen printed on fabric 16x20

She IS Spring- Digital 8.5x11

Above is the work in progress, the drawing, on tracing paper, that I used for both the screen & the painting on canvas. The screen with the fabric draped over it... my laptop.... fun.

Above is the process of creating the screen.

Opening Reception Jan 6, 7-10 pm @ Altered Esthetics

2011-12-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

This sketch appears in the press release, & is also the focus of the work I will have in the Jan 6 show at Altered Esthetics

The following is the Press Release for the next Group show that I will be in, & I am very much looking forward to this... Such a great insight into the magic behind the scenes.

Resident Artists VIII: In Process opens at Altered Esthetics

Altered Esthetics’ resident artists reveal the steps in their creative processes from idea to

sketch...how artwork becomes a reality.

We’re going to kick off 2012 with a look into the creative mind. Get an exclusive look at

personal sketchbooks, in progress photos, design notes, and storyboards that show how

our resident artists’ ideas come to life.

Altered Esthetics

1224 Quincy St. NE

Minneapolis, MN 55413

(612) 378-8888

Opening Reception:

Friday, Jan. 6, 7-10 pm

Artists’ Discussion Panel:

Saturday, Jan. 21, 1-3 pm

Gallery Hours:

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-7pm

Saturdays, 1-5 pm

Every First Friday, 7-10 pm

Show runs Jan. 5-26, 2012

On the business side...

2011-12-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

The zen of social media marketing

The Boss of You: Everything A Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business

I am reading 2 fabulous books that I thought I would pass along. They are both wonderfully spunky and full of useful tools for the artist/marketer/small business/online business owners.

If you are interested in getting your images on items, here are some sites that I am in the process of using, but might be helpful to get your art out there too....

Society6.com - I am very addicted to this one. Insanely ego-lifting to see my work on products. I have a page on this one. :) society6.com/MelanieSchumacher

(The next few, I have not done YET, but I'll keep you updated on when I have items on them!)

Spoonflower.com - With this site, you can upload your artwork to be printed on fabric, for you to buy or to share with others. Awesome.

Envelop.eu - "Online store for illustrated cotton basics." is their tagline. Again, you can upload artwork, or browse others art, and have products such as aprons, oven mitts, & pillow cases. produced. Love

Denydesigns.com - similar concept, but a variety of different products, such as shower curtains, duvet covers, etc.

Way cool. You could have a whole home decorated in your art.... or mine :)

whoo hoo!

2011-12-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

Guppies
Leaves 3
Fire

Whoo Hoo! The above 3 images have been "selected" on Society6.com to be included in their shop, in addition to being already in my shop. I am very excited.

Available now at Society 6.com

2011-12-05T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

So, Here is the latest project: I have uploaded work to Society6.com & Just in time for Holiday shopping... society6.com/MelanieSchumacher. :)

There are prints available now & products such as iphone, and laptop cases with my art, available later this week. Please stop by often, I will be adding new work. Of course I want you to check out my work, but shop around :) there are many, many talented artists on the site... & to be able to put the art on useable products, beautiful idea :)

Kenwood Cafe Show - such a gem!

2011-11-22T11:27:00.001-08:00

The November show at Kenwood Cafe ends Nov 27. I am so very thankful for the time that my work has spent here!

If you haven't had a chance to go... here are a few images from my friends :)

Check out this cafe for the location, the atmosphere, and the food!

It is such a gem!

Above images from The Kenwood Cafe taken by my good friend, and cheerleader Lynn, thanks hon love ya!

The above 2 images are from my new friend Susie, Thank you for going, & for posting this story, so very very kind :). Thanks hon!

"While Lulu stood in line for our orange juice, at Kenwood Cafe, we overheard a man taking SO glowingly about your Guppies painting. He said "You can almost see the beauty of the inside of the artist on this canvas!" His partner agreed. I asked him if he would mind if I took a photo of him by your painting and shared the story...he agreed and asked that I mention that you have a new fan! xo
(tag: Darren, Melanie's Newest Fan)"

And... In Color

2011-11-03T11:49:00.001-07:00

Here is the next phase of the art work.....

Oh youtube, How I love thee!

2011-10-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here, is the next step in what I am working on... converting my sketches/ paintings into digital artwork using Illustrator cs5. I have worked with Illustrator before, but I want to KNOW Illustrator cs5, the insides & outsides, and shortcuts. So, youtube.com to the rescue! I LOVE youtube for learning new things to do: milking goats, making goat cheese, screen printing, & now Illustrator cs5. Below is the first 2 days of watching tutorials & practicing. I'll keep you posted, but have a few ideas for the digital art... the first image below is my sketch that I did yesterday morning while drinking my coffee in the kitchen...
Above, is my digital drawing in Illustrator cs5. :)

Back to The Drawing Board

2011-10-24T08:30:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday, after the flurry of the last 2 weeks, I found myself without a pressing deadline. I have projects going, but nothing that I need to lose sleep over, for now. And, it made me wonder... what do people do AFTER the goal or deadlines are met. What do marathon runners do the day, and week, after the big run? Or the writer, after he finally finishes the book? Do they go back & run just 2 miles? or do story concepts? Or, buy a pair of slippers, make tea,& ponder what to do next, because that is what I did last week.

I was also drawing last week. Without a new canvas on the table, I am working out some new concepts... I'll keep you posted... :)

Here's a Sneak Peak of my art for Tomorrow's Show

2011-10-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Fri Oct 14, & Sat Oct 15 I will have 3 NEW paintings at The Crazy "Pancakes & Booze" Show in Minneapolis. Above are small pieces, to see the entire 3 canvases, you have to go to the show! :)

Below are a lot of details.... Check them out! :)

OVER 50 of MINNESOTA's UNDERGROUND & EMERGING ARTISTS!!!

FREE ALL-U-CAN-EAT PANCAKE BAR!!!

ZOMBIE FASHION SHOW!!! Saturday Oct. 15th
With designs by: TEASER by Yuli & Pretty Rock Girl Collection by Zong

http://www.teaserbyyuli.com/
http://www.facebook.com/teaserbyyulix
www.facebook.com/theprettyrockgirlcollection

Zombie MakeUp FX by H&H Creepy Creatures & Curious Designs:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/HH-Creepy-Creatures-and-Curious-Designs/198774716852411

LIVE EROTIC BODY PAINTING!!!

TWO DAY EVENT!!!

ONLY $5 COVER
IHOP doesn't even serve Pancakes for this cheap!!!

LIVE Audio & Visual Performances!!!

Friday OCT. 14th
8:15pm-9p - Start Don’t Stop - www.reverbnation.com/startdontstop
9:15p-10p - Morosity - http://morosity.com/
10:15p-12a - Botanicus - http://soundcloud.com/botanicus
12-2a - DJ S4L4D - www.facebook.com/S4L4D

Saturday OCT. 15th
8p-9p - Space Monster - www.facebook.com/spacemonsterband
9p-10p - Windowvine - www.windowvine.com/
10p-11p - Ampherium - www.reverbnation.com/ampherium
11p12a - DJ S4L4D - www.facebook.com/S4L4D
12-1a - Autograph the Skyline - www.wix.com/autographtheskyline/ats

LIVE ART BATTLE!!!

21+ EVENT!!!

8PM-2AM on both nights

The LOFT @ Barfly

711 HENNEPIN Ave.
Downtown Minneapolis

VIEW THIS LINK TO GET AN IDEA OF PREVIOUS SHOWS!!!
http://vimeo.com/14915703

To keep posted on future shows, add The Pancakes & Booze Art Show as a friend:
http://www.facebook.com/PancakesAndBoozeArtShow

To keep posted on future shows, "LIKE" The Pancakes & Booze Art Show at the link below...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-PANCAKES-BOOZE-ART-SHOW/239397989143?ref=ts

Every spare minute....

2011-10-06T10:54:00.001-07:00

Here is an action shot of me, getting ready for 3 shows in 2 weeks, with 5 new paintings! Let me tell you, this is what I will be doing every spare minute! :)

The painting that I am working on, is a 4 ft vertical canvas with fish swimming around it- it will be at the Kenwood Cafe show (2115 West 21st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55405 612-377-6876) From Oct 9- Nov 7.

October Show Dates :)

2011-09-29T10:35:00.001-07:00

2 New- In the works

2011-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

So, here are the latest 2 paintings that are in my kitchen, being worked on, in between making apple pies :) I love looking back to see the paintings in the different stages. Like below, the bird is penciled in, then the white is filled in, on top of that is the black layer, and THEN the colored dots will be added. I think they will both end up with cooler names... Any ideas?

Birds in leaves- 24x18 Birds seem to be EXTREMELY popular, so be the first to buy this one!!! (Ha ha ha ha, it seemed to be such a great place for a shameless sell)

Fish in water- 15x48 This, is my favorite painting that I have done so far. There are a few that I surprise myself. I love the extremely long vertical size, and the motion of the fish. I will keep posting on the progress......

Fabulous local artists!

2011-09-12T07:43:00.000-07:00

Sat I had the privilege to spend the afternoon, selling my art next to some seriously talented & wonderful people. Some I have known and worked with the last few years, and some are new friends. But, please, check out their work, and their websites.... FABULOUS! Here are a few:

Michelle Eggan, creates beautiful children's illustrations, has 2 books published, and has been working in the hospital, libraries and local school district, teaching children thru her art :) makes my heart smile!

Pam Braunwarth, Pottery , of Oliver Clay Co. 612-201-8989, BEAUTIFUL pottery, in surprising colors. The one I purchased- bright red, and earth brown. Love it! But, the next one I want is bright celery green... on the inside!

Bernie Saunders, Center for Living Art.

I purchased his book, then went home to read, and started without having my kleenex at the ready. I know now, that that is a must. I can think of many people I would love to give my signed copy to, but feel I MUST be selfish, and keep this for myself. Bernie's photos, are, well, you have to see them- and then you'll never look at a flower the same. The poetry is his mother's and again, you'll never look at things the same.

Peter Sletten- Designer & builder 612-743-6898, woodperfect@hotmail.com he specializes in furniture, cabinets and remodeling, but sells cheese boards, handcrafted rocking chairs, and my favorite- the wooden blocks. These are your typical kids blocks, but only finished, which in a bowl, made a perfect coffee table accessory & the kids PLAYED with them. They are simply wonderful.

Cathy Menssen, cathymenssen@hotmail.com, works with the residents of the Lighthouse in art therapy classes. The residents sold work, and prints of the work, along side the local artists. Cathy has tear-making, uplifting stories of the progress of the residents working in/with the arts. Cathy knows art. She is an artist herself, making ceramic tiles with graphic nature themes, many have been framed beautifully By Pete, (the woodworker mentioned above) so you get a collaborative piece. :) Cathy shows her work in galleries in and around Mpls. They are inspiring pieces!!

UPCOMING SHOWS

2011-09-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

Hello!

So, the next Three group shows are probably as extremely different as it could get :) and I am very excited about all. I also have been working on planning solo shows in Oct, Dec and Jan, so check back for details :)

First, tomorrow, Sept 10

The Lighthouse, in Waconia, MN.

Series of screen printed canvases, in a rainbow of colors, all are 16x20 $25 each

I will be bringing a new series of screen printed canvases, in a rainbow of colors

Local artist friend, Cathy Menssen has been working with residents, in art therapy. Local artists will be selling work, alongside residents. There will be painters, jewlers, wood & pottery artists. Here are the details:

500 Cherry Street, Waconia, MN 55317 (952) 442-1261

Lighthouse of Waconia - 1st annual BEACON OF LIGHT ART SHOW Saturday, September 10 10:00 – 4:00 PM No cost Food for the show will be supplied by the Lighthouse Local Artists along with Resident Artists

Oct 7

Altered Esthetics Fear Itself

Artists confront phobias ranging from the creepy, crawly, or things that go bump in the night, to the terrifying anticipation of social situations or life events.
Opening Reception
Friday, October 7, 2011 - 7pm-10pm

Oct 14, 15

Pancakes & Booze Art show

at Barfly, 711 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 612- 333-6100.

Below are the paintings that will be there... I'm sure this one will be a very interesting show :)

In Motion, 24x25 $200

Water, 16x20, $100
Fire, 16x20, $100

Last Night: Details from the AE Home Show

2011-09-03T08:26:00.000-07:00

Last Night was the group show at Altered Esthetics "Home", and there was a great turnout. My painting "Our World, Our Home" was in the show. I spent my time standing across the room from my painting watching people watch my painting and WISHING I could hear what they were saying!

I walked away a huge fan of one of the other artists: Danielle Feliciano. Check out her amazing talent! I do not know this artist yet, but will be following her work and Mpls shows! You can too on her blog :)

Opening Reception Sept 2, 7pm-10pm at Altered Esthetics

2011-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

Our World, Our Home is a new painting (36 in x 36in )

that will be in a group show at Altered Esthetics in NE Minneapolis

About the painting: I submitted "Our World, Our Home" to this particular show, because I created this painting with this show in mind. In my paintings, I usually depict themes and patterns found in nature. So, while sketching and gathering reference materials on different aspects of "home" I decided to take the approach of home = habitat, or home, as it relates to a residence for many species. That without the buildings and structures that we might think as home, ultimately the elements: sky, water and earth, is the habitat for all. "Our World, Our Home" symbolizes a peaceful utopian nature, with elements in their home, our habitat.

About the Show:"HOME"

Whether it is a place we came from, a place we dream about, or a settling destination; artists react to immigration, homelessness, and what it means to have a sense of place in the world.

Opening Reception

Altered Esthetics

Friday, September 2, 2011 - 7pm-10pm

1224 Quincy St NE, Mpls MN 55413

612.378.8888 • contact-at-alteredesthetics.org
Gallery Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 1pm–7pm, Saturdays 1pm–5pm

Poison and Passion

2011-08-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

A new painting, & it's process....

Above, is the color study, I was thinking, lime greens, purples, and black...

Above is the references, and sketches on tracing paper

Below, is the final 30 in square canvas....

And.... my reasoning :)
When I was researching "Fear", I found that snakes represent life, death, and rebirth. That a snake eating it's tail is a symbol of renewing life. According to Wikpedia, "serpent" is of Latin origin meaning, something that creeps, and it is listed as one of the most common fears. Fear, by definition, is a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. I created a knot of snakes, with no beginning and no end, that the viewer would react to the "creepy" element of the snakes themselves, but also think about what the snakes represent that we fear as well: life, death and intimacy

Paintings at Spring St Tavern

2011-06-24T10:00:00.001-07:00

Above is an image list with prices for the show at Spring St Tavern. All Paintings will be up until mid-August. Yeah!

All paintings are acrylic on canvas, and are wired for hanging.

If you would like to purchase a piece after the show, please contact

Kate Johnson, Altered Esthetics: kjohnson@alteredesthetics.org

Opening on Fri June 24 @ 6:00pm :)

2011-06-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

Altered Esthetics’ Solo Exhibition Program Presents:

Melanie Schumacher’s first solo exhibition Hidden Details hosted by Spring Street Tavern

Hidden Details explores the artist’s use of both nature and art as a means of escape. Her paintings are inspired

by the cut paper art of Hans Christian Anderson, quilting, and tattooing. Designs of plants, leaves, vines, and water, weave together detailed patterns of a magical world.

Melanie Schumacher is a graphic designer living and working on a 200 acre farm in the western suburbs of Minneapolis. Surrounded by animals, plants and children, there is constant inspiration. Her process takes a base color of acrylic paint and adds depth and texture by layering dots of color using the “wrong” side of the paintbrush.

You can preview her work at www.schumacherart.com

Opening: Friday, June 24, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Location: Spring Street Tavern 355 Monroe Street, Northeast, Minneapolis 55413

Waves

Show dates: June 24^th to August 14^th 2011

New marketing pieces

2011-05-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

In the last few months, a few friends have been on the look-out for opportunities for me :) (Thanks!) And in following those leads I put together some marketing materials to use to start conversation about my work & as a leave behind. So here it is...

the folder with all the goodies- samples of my work, business cards, a break down of capabilities & proposed work etc, etc....

samples of moo mini cards ( very cool site, where you can have multiple images printed on one side & the same contact info on the other) So, the above cards all have the same info (below). I use them for tags for screen printed items that I have had for sale.

and above is my latest stack 'o business cards. I love these. All 3 in the photo above are the business card. They fold, which gave me the opportunity to show 4 paintings & give a quick description of my process on the back. Love it!

Illustrative

2011-04-23T05:25:00.000-07:00

So, as I am finding my groove in the painting process, I am finding that the same process (sketching, redrawing on tracing paper, transfering the drawing etc) works pretty much the same for screen printing & illustration... so fun.

Drawing has always been my favorite escape & I love the idea of incorporating it into other applications.

Above is a work in progress, and a first in a series, to illustrate a good friend's absolutely wonderful children's story. It is 11x17 acrylic & pen. It is of a little boy, with his friend the wind,and he is inspired by the nature around him.

Above is a close-up sketch
Above is a digital illustration I created for a postcard, for local salon (owned by another good friend :) . I followed a similar process, but instead of transferring to paper, I scanned it & redrew in Illustrator. The paisleys in her hair was a re-occurring theme in the salon's other marketing.

Above sketches for the postcard, & notes to myself. :)

Exciting New Things- Universal Pants

2011-04-11T09:30:00.001-07:00

Wow oh wow, has time flown by! Seeing that the last post was in Nov, it got me thinking, that this winter was spent trying to gather up new opportunities. So the next few posts will be about the fun & exciting things that have been in the works this winter....

In March I met with Liz, the owner of Universal Pants. I met her at her studio in Minneapolis (the East side of Lake Nokomis at 3002 E 50th Street 55417) , it was instant admiration!

She is warm & friendly & also has a cockapoo... what's not to love! :)

She sent me home with a handful of fun textiles to screen print. She will use them to make the garments, a very exciting collaboration.

Here is a description of the beautiful clothes from her website

"These pants are special. Each pair is made from the same bias cut pattern resulting in an impressively correct fit, yet each pair feels and drapes differently depending on the fabric. A magical symbiosis occurs when a pair of Universal Pants meets the body. The fibers shift and break-in like a favorite pair of jeans."

Here are a few images from the process:

A finished stack 'o fabric. Liz wanted to see what the printing would look like OVER a printed fabric. I love it & would never have tried it.

Here is the printing in process. After printing, I iron both side of the fabric to make them flat & pretty & also to lock the ink into the fibers.

Here I have matched the fabric to samples in my color file. It gives me a reference while mixing ink. I will share updates on what happens to these fabrics, after Liz works her magic :)

Just in time for the holidays

2010-11-24T07:50:00.000-08:00

I just completed 2 new canvases, just in time for the after Thanksgiving- pre-Christmas art marts going on around town. Weeds & Waves. Both started out as color studies by just mixing colors on the canvas. Then I hung them were I would see them all day, until they told me what they wanted to be :)

Weeds- done! 16x20 acrylic on canvas

Weeds - close up
Waves close-up

Waves- Done! 16x20 acrylic on canvas

more screen printing

2010-11-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

For the "Roses" screen I am choosing colors of Terra Cotta- oranges, browns, pinks golds, dark purples.

For the flying bird/heart screen I'm thinking sky- sky blue, royal blue & sunny yellow.

I finished 2 new screens. Each are about 18 in square & were inspired by earlier paintings. I am very excited to start printing! Here are the sample prints (in black) from the screens, a pile'o fabric & color samples for the ink. I 'll post results.....

Exciting

2010-10-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

Exciting!

Several Paintings from the last series are for sale at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum gift shop (952-443-1439). YEAH!

Here is a sneak peak at the next series, all inspired by patterns that you might find in water. Mostly they are in the penciled - in stage, & I am looking forward to working on them...

WAVES

SCALES

BUBBLES

RIPPLES

WEEDS

anticipated sales :)

2010-08-28T13:42:00.001-07:00

Today is the victoria Art Fair in Victoria, MN. If you are in town, please stop by & support the local artists! My friend Nancy is selling beautiful jewelry, she makes a variety.

Nancy was kind enough to bring my art to the show to hang in her tent. Thanks Nancy! I was anticipating sales, & pre-wrapped the paintings ( leaving one end open for her to take the paintings in/out) & added a thank you sticker with my contact info. I also had other promo materials- 2 different sizes of business cards, postcards & fine art prints. Here are some of the things right before their departure.

Fire- Done!

2010-08-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

Close up

Here is the latest! It is a 16x20 canvas of fire. I used the same general shapes as in Water, & then added & changed things up a bit. I have been on a mission to wrap up some of the canvases that I started to make room for the new ideas that are brewing! :)

Water- finished

2010-07-29T08:21:00.001-07:00

Yeah! The latest painting- FINISHED! It is 16x20 & covered in metallic blues & teals. I have another started, the same size, using some of the same elements to create flames.

Printing on Fabric, so fun

2010-07-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

The screen being washed in the kitchen sink before applying a new color

Sketches, painted muslin, & solid fabric all waiting to become something..

Muslin printed with a block, the same shape as in some recent paintings.

Oh I love this repeated process!!!!! & to be able to take elements from my paintings & give them another life- so fun! Now to enlist some of my sewing friends to teach me how to sew these printed beauties into something useful!!!

LOVE IT!!!! Thanks Nancy!

2010-07-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Last week a friend of mine had a surprise for me!

Here it is, she made a charm pendant from my business card! It is a pattern that I created & now I can wear it!!!!!!!

THANK YOU NANCY!

*If you are interested in one too, you can email me @ schumacher_art@yahoo.com * :)

For Health & Happiness...

2010-05-26T13:48:00.000-07:00

A good friend called yesterday & said she was helping gather artist's donations for a silent auction. The funds will help a little 8 yr old boy fighting cancer & his family. I created this & thought of his, & his family's health & happiness with each dot...... may they have both.

Just a Sketch'n

2010-05-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

So, I tend to be a wee bit predictable. :)

I like to do the same process over & over. (Could you tell with the dots?) I like my coffee in the same mug every morning, I like running for the zoning effect, on the same trail, preferably the same time of day, listening to the same several tunes. I can listen to the same song on repeat for weeks, or months. I think that is how I learn best, repeat, repeat, repeat, & then maybe repeat again. So, as not to break the trend... I have incorporated that same excitement (that was written sarcastically) into the design process. I have been sketching, sketching, getting new books from the library & sketching more. My brain is now full of bits of patterns from Mexican pottery, intricate ironwork, American art deco, & even weathervanes- great folk art pieces. Below are 2 pics from the stack 'o sketches. They are double sided & lots of 'em :)

The new "process" complete with sticker directions to myself :) I used color envelopes to tell myself to :

1. SKETCH, ok I think I've got that down

2. Match sketches to color file

3. Create Digital File

FUN FUN :)

Works in Progress

2010-03-29T07:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a series of abstract botanicals that I have been working on the last few months. These are such fun paintings to work on that I think I could go on forever... but at some point I need to stop designing new ones & finish the ones that I have started. :) Maybe today I will start the finishing :)

Flourish, for Kingfield’s 5th Art Show

2010-03-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

This is the latest finished painting, Flourish. It will be included in the silent auction with 90 other artists. The event info is listed below, just in case you are able to make it....

2010 Community Art Show: Thinking Out of the Box

Tickets on Sale NOW at Anodyne, 4301 Nicollet orwww.kingfield.org!

Thinking Out of the Box: Kingfield’s 5th Annual Community Art Show
March 20, 7-10 PM
Rau+Barber, 4244 Nicollet Avenue
Creative solutions, unusual juxtapositions, innovative use of materials…Kingfielders are a revolutionary crowd! This year’s 5th Annual Community Art Show asks local artists and community members to create 2-dimensional or 3D art that expresses their creativity and presents something outside of the ordinary 4-sided straight walls of our regular world.

A twist of words, a repurpose of materials, an invention of sound or sight, an image that leaps off the wall…let your mind go free and think out of the box!

So far..... LOVING THIS!

2010-02-04T10:29:00.000-08:00

First Flower, inspired by: a crystal serving plate & the leaves were inspired by a paint sample card.

Second flower, inspired by: the shape of the first flower & leaves + the grooves on a slice of cheese I was cutting.... for real.

Third Flower, was inspired by the first flower & leaves + a quilt design (inside flower) & a crop circle design...

Here is the latest in the crazy abstract flower series... the leaves are just penciled in, but I am loving the entire process!

Each element of the flowers was first drawn on tracing paper & then step & repeated until the canvas was covered. I am taking the photos into Illustrator & redrawing them to create digital patterns. Also loving this process. Then I will fill the canvases w/ crazy colored dots- also love that. Wheeee!

Practice, but not perfect :)

2010-01-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

These are the results of the latest screen. I am not thrilled. BUt it was fun. Sophia again, was the ink mixer & squeegee-er. These were test prints, & now I know that there are holes to fill in the screen, & to mix more ink . I am trying to not get stressed, & just enjoy the process & practice. :)

Finished Screen :)

2010-01-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Tomorrow = PRINTING!!!!! I will post results..... oooh, I like it!!!!

This week's progress

2010-01-18T17:35:00.001-08:00

So, Here is this week's progress. I am very pleased :) What has helped, is that Sophia, my 4 yr old, Loved the squegee-ing & mixing colors of the last screen printing. When she saw the start of a new one, she keeps me to the grind stone. :) I will start unloading dishes, or getting a snack & she'll say "Momma keep painting" Yes, sir! & Thank You! :) The top is the next abstract flower. Yeah! I was sketching today & oh, I can't wait to paint even more, & it feels REALLY good.

Looking forward to Spring!

2010-01-11T08:30:00.001-08:00

Yes! It is Jan, snowy, below zero.... but I am thinking SPRING! I am planning a show at Mill District this spring, & I am envisioning abstract flowers, like this- Lots & lots & lots of Crazy, Springy, Bold, Graphic, Abstract Flowers... I need to get busy & PAINT! I will post here & on my website, more details about the show :) Stay warm!

www.designingmoms.blogspot.com

2009-12-07T14:22:00.000-08:00

Yeah! I am so excited and honored to have been on www.designingmoms.blogspot.com Please check out the blog, not JUST for me :) There is an amazing community out there of artist/mommas. I LOVE artist blogs- such a great insight into their process, studios, inspirations etc. I have several that I check daily, I will share next blog, please send me your favorites!

schumacherart.com

2009-11-09T19:43:00.000-08:00

Wow, that was crazy!!!!

I have been thinking/looking/procrastinating/dreading/avoiding the "website". Then an opportunity at the Mill District Arts Gallery came up, & the need was there. Agh. But, if you check out schumacherart.com, (I have been for the last half hour, I am such a nerd) you will see my simple, but "huge deal for me" website. Whoo hoo. It was a nerve wrecking experience, with terms & buttons & domain naming. Whew. Done & w/ me as the web master.

Now to eat the apple pie I baked, not too shabby for a Monday :)

Owl- Next step

2009-11-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

ok, so the "sketchy" owl sketch is at the next step.... it has been sketched on to the canvas & the under painting is half done. I am SO happy with it so far. Is there a need for symmetrical owl paintings out there in the world. Hope so. It is my study on symmetry. I like that the paintings are becoming less abstract & more illustration. It could open a whole new world. I will blog the progress, so much more work to do....

Owl sketch

2009-10-24T14:28:00.001-07:00

Wow is this rough.... & a wee bit embarrassing that this is how sketchy the sketching can be. But it's notes to myself to remember what I thought of, for one second, before it leaves again :) I have a 24x30 canvas, waiting patiently by a pile of star & circle templates, & references on owls (hope that the "owl" isn;t so last year). I am very excited about this one... I will blog it's progress.

Tattoo first drafts

2009-10-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Here are the 3 ideas for the tattoo, for my niece Kerriann. I just sent them off to her, so we'll see her reaction soon. I haven't put the stripes on the flags. I just don't have the patients just yet. But, I think she'll get the idea. I need to practice drawing on the computer! It doesn't come natural to me, maybe I can blame the itty bitty curser mover thingy that I am using... I must research the high-tech tools of the computer illustrator pros. Fun Fun project. Funny, too that I am sketching the next painting: picture, owls, bare tree branches with a few leaves left, & behind the branches stars..... I will post the sketch soon. I have never worked with the star this much before........

What is inspiring me now?

2009-10-22T06:16:00.000-07:00

Right now this is what is influencing the next batch of batch of paintings. Love these!!!!!

Hans Christian Anderson paper cut outs. Who knew he had this talent? The links are also where I found the pics.

Uber cool basketry.

Paula Nadelstern's Kaleidoscope quilts. Unbelievable.

The designs are so intricate, I can't imagine seeing them in person.

American Art Deco. Amazing pictures depicted in architecture. Wow.

My kitchen table is full of books on these subjects, canvases, tracing paper, pencils, oh to have a few moments to capture it all!

Creation & preservation

2009-10-21T17:11:00.000-07:00

(This photo was from a few weeks ago)

I was working on a new pattern design & at the same time trying to can tomatoes, by myself. I liked the contrast of the traditional- canned food w/ the modern laptop :)

I know, so very domestic of me. I had a crazy garden this yr. I did not leave enough room for everything that we planted, barely watered or weeded, but the dear, dear thing produced!

It made me think of being a mom, barely sleeping, or showering, or having normal adult conversations, & still my dear, dear mind produces! :)

Work in progress for Kerriann

2009-10-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

My cute little blonde niece, (Sorry to describe you that way, Kerriann, I know you're tough too) is an Army soldier. She has done 2 tours in Iraq. She has asked if I would design a tattoo for her. HELL YEAH! So, this is how the process always starts: A few parameters: a cross, a flag, & the words "Por deo et patria", (for God & country). Then I dig into magazines. The bottom photo is what I found, that I can use for the tattoo. There are belt buckle designs, bits of car & perfume ads, the way a curtain drapes, I might use as the way the flag can drape across the cross. There are wings & cool textures, thickness or thinness of lines, the list is endless & so are the possibilities. Then I sketch (top photo). Next I'll place these two into In Design or Illustrator & draw on the computer..... I will blog the progress. I am so honored to design this one :)

Dear Mindy, Happy Birthday to you

2009-10-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

My younger sister turned 30 in Sept. This was my b-day gift to her.

Love ya Minders!

Here are the "meanings" behind the images:

• profile = my sis

• wings = freedom & rising out of the tough times (flames)

• flames = difficulties

• dove & heart = peace & love

• white friendship knot= friendship.

So I was thinking that the painting process is a form of meditation. The dots on here reminded me of rosary beads, where I thought of Mindy with every dot. So, this painting is full of hundreds of prayers of great & wonderful things for her. She deserves it.

Screen printing = FUN

2009-10-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

In July Vance gave me a screen printing kit for my birthday. Last week the girls & I opened it up & had some fun. I had been wanting to start screen printing & had in my mind that it was a very involved, complicated process. I was thinking this, probably because I had never done this & had only seen the process on youtube. I was really surprised at how easy it was to make the print below. Now, to find more screens!!!! :)
Anna, already multi-tasking- squeggee-ing & holding a bottle at the same time :)

Sophia was the paint-mixer. We came up with this "hot peach" color. So fun!

Here it is! My very first screen print.

The image was a large version of the flower used in the pattern in my last blog entry. This flower was taken also from a sketch I did for the Excelsior art store ArtWorks, sketched Summer 08. I used a different sketch/finished painting for their sign, but kept the other work & wha la, here it is, in a totally different medium. So fun that the creative juices can be used for many applications. The girls & I mixed up some dark teal & printed on a smoother paper. I did not like it nearly as well as this on the watercolor paper.... again, need more screens!!! Must print more! LOVED THIS PROCESS!

Patterns..... & daydreams

2009-09-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

So....

this is what I have been thinking about for, awhile, ok, like the last year. How to take my paintings & ideas & find other "places"for them.

I L-o-v-e patterns & repetition, & of course, design. When I grow up I want to be a "surface designer". I just found that term & a light bulb went off. "Yes! That's me, that's what I want to do!" I thought to myself. So, I am in the process of scanning in my sketches, & finished paintings, & re-creating them digitally to create patterns that I can easily manipulate. I am working first in black & white. It is easier for me to start there & work on color later. I have been pulling pages from magazines & scraps of paper/string/ ribbon, any cool color combos & putting them in a "color file" to reference later.

In my daydreams I am working just like I am now. In the kitchen w/ chaos & family noises. But, in the visions there is a fun "Mary-poppins" type woman who swoops in & takes care of household/kid duties for 4 hrs a day while I am in my "La-La Land" head space. I would be creating designs to be on "surfaces"- anything to surf boards, fabric, journals endless possibilities. Also, I would paint, & make art quilts.....................ahhh, then return to "real life".

Thank you!

2009-08-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

Here is me, trying to blend in to the tent/paintings while keeping everything from blowing away. :) It was a gorgeous day, but very WINDY.

Thank you to everyone that came out to the Victoria Art Fair yesterday.

It was great fun to hear feedback about my paintings. It was such a boost to hear the interest & excitement about my process & the paintings. Now I really see the need for a website. If you saw something that you liked at the show & would like to purchase or inquire about a commission, or just chat about art :) please, email me @ schumacher_art@yahoo.com.

Thank you to Simply Sisters (makers of homemade soap) & Joni & Mark Jeurissen - my tent neighbors. They came to my rescue all day, bringing me brownies, catching paintings that were taking flight from the wind, & helping me set up/take down the tent.

THANKS :)

Victoria Bayfront Art Fair

2009-08-02T07:57:00.001-07:00

This year I am participating in 1 art fair.

With the girls being so little, I just didn;t think that I could manage any more.... until next year! I have 4 large (2ft-4ft) canvases to finish up & a booth to put together in the next 27 days (gasp!)

If you can make it to Victoria, MN 10am -4 pm "The 2nd Annual Bayfront Art Fair takes place Saturday, Aug 29th from 10-4 on the Bayfront of Steiger Lake downtown Victoria. There will be 75+ artisans with pottery, jewelry, woodworking, mixed media, oil/watercolor/acrylic painting, photography, quilting , candlemakers, soapmakers ,... the list goes on. Don't miss it! Its going to be an exceptional day!"

70's style kitchen or Artist's studio?

2009-07-20T11:03:00.001-07:00

This is the latest painting, still in progress..... & living in ourr kitchen.. I'm deciding where to go from here. Right now it is a blue/black/white underpainting w/ blues, teals, & green dots.... The colors are so subtle, almost too subtle, so I will wait to see what to do next....

Is this a 70's style kitchen? Why yes it is.... always serving up the orders of the Schumacher fam...

And....whala!

now it is an artist studio! I have my paints in a handy dandy plastic tub for easy transporting around the house. I have my trusty laptop, my cell, & a copy of " The Artist's Guide, How to Make a Living Doing What You Do" by Jackie Battenfield (LOVE LOVE LOVE this book). What else could an artist gal want?

Oh yeah, QUIET & TIME to paint :)

So cool- Minneapolis Institute of Arts

2009-07-12T05:38:00.000-07:00

In March I spent an afternoon BY MYSELF at the Minneapolis institute of Arts

LOVED it! I was the nerd around the corner, pen & paper in hand, jotting down notes & saying (out loud) Wow! & "Look at that" :) I just found those notes again, & so here is some of what was catching my eye:

southwestern basketry, southwestern dance blankets, swiss design posters and these artists

Really, check out their websites truly A-M-A-Z-I-N-G

Sonja Peterson, nothing more than a guided dream, 2008 (in progress)

Allen Houser Listen 1991 bronze edition of 8

Hans Weissflog Half Circle Bowl, 2008

Hawk (1977): Peter Pitseolak stonecut

Medium: stonecut

David Sharir image: Succoth; original silkscreen by David Sharir

Artist Statement?

2009-07-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

ok, so this is a little artist statement (kinda). I was trying to be funny, & cheeky. I just don't know if people would get it, if they don't know me. I mainly paint in the kitchen, because I am also making meals & doing dishes. I was trying to rewrite my statement & had in front of me: a raspberry jelly jar, gardening ordering catalogue & a cook book. SO, I used some of their adjectives & whola.... I hope people "get" me :)

A new painting?

2009-07-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

No, actually, it is olive oil & balsamic vinegar (pic #1) & then the two slightly stirred (pic #2) :) Sophia & I were making a marinade & had to snap a few pics of the cool design.

Happy places

2009-07-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

While trying to get the marketing stuff made, & finish Laura's painting I decided to make a "sketch" for my dear friend Lynn's birthday. It was a sketch to remind her of the happy places that we let our minds go when real life gets stressful, or boring. It was just a sketch, so that I could do a "real" painting later in whatever size/colors she'd like. Well, then I liked the sketch so I painted it & now I REALLY Like it, so much that I don't think it needs dots of color! What a new concept for me! :) It is a metallic gold & I still need to finish the details in the roots at the bottom. But, it got me thinking about flat colors & screen printing & turning the pile 'o sketches that I have waiting for me, into 2 color screen prints. So, I will keep you posted on any new adventures & try & finish & frame this for my friend SOON!

Finished for Laura

2009-07-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

Finished close-up of the bird, I like it... whoo hooooo!!!
The Painting in all it's dotted glory of colors.....
Before the color, just the under painting. Man, does it change with all those dots & colors. On to the next painting :) again, whoo hoo!

2009-07-01T04:53:00.000-07:00

Here it is. The new busines-y stuff. The banner for this blog, business cards, price tags, & prints. Yeah!

Passion Blooms

2009-06-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

Another first: A painting conceived & finished in 48 hrs. Not that I would want to work at that pace all the time, but it's nice to know that in a pinch I can get it done. The painting was for Artworks, an art supply store in Excelsior, MN. They are so kind to be showing 3 originals (more as I finish!!) & prints. Now I want to do a series of abstract flowers. What a fun display on a wall, or to make into patterns for other projects. I literally sat at the kitchen table with an architects template (LOTS of circles, & other shapes) a pencil & a piece of 14x16 paper... then I painted & Waaa Laaa! Also my business cards came in the mail, & I picked up my prints Fri. I think I see an Etsy store around the corner in my near future!

Kick in the Pants

2009-06-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

So I have finished the under painting on the second canvas that I started for Laura. I want her to be THRILLED with the painting & I want to do more Illustration/Commissions in the future. This followed the sketch that I had emailed earlier & the color palette is muted tones. The colors applied on top- in dots will be shades of greens on the flowers & leaves. The bird will be browns, grays & a few reds/pinks. I think this will be the winner. I LOVE the process of sketching/planning/gathering ideas/ penciling it in on the canvas/painting/dotting THE ENTIRE PROCESS MAKES ME OH SO HAPPY! That if I could do this for hrs a day & get paid a little :) I would be a happy gal!

I have to say Thanks to Nancy for giving me the kick in the pants that I needed to get the marketing/business materials done for the paintings. I am embarrassed that it wasn't the highest priority. That is my background- graphic design, but when it is something personal & abstract & varied. So this weekend I wrapped my brain around it & came up with a system, that I can use when I become famous, OR just if I need to market like a mad woman!:

1. business cards & mini cards from moo.com - you can get a different image printed on each card: can be used as a mini portfolio if several are sent together, w/ all contact on each, or used as price tags or packaging for sold soon

2. stickers/labels with contact info that have a different painting as the background: can be used to close envelopes, attach notes to folders, etc

3. New clever artist statement. Using clever type treatment that can be carried into postcards/show announcements etc.

4. Color "look". I'm going with black/white/gray for paper & envelopes, etc. So that the colors in the paintings - that will be mixed & matched on EVERYTHING - will really stand out.

ok, bring on the sales, I'm ready!!! :)

Commission... trial & errors

2009-05-27T14:58:00.000-07:00

So I am deep in the trenches of my first real commission, & learning ALOT! I strayed completely away from the original sketch. (First lesson learned. Not the wisest of choices perhaps) But I LOVED this layout WAY better.

I am thinking now that maybe I will start another, follow the sketch to the detail & let Laura choose... either way, lessons learned. Nothing is lost, & there is lots of painting done & lots left to do....

This photo shows the "under painting" The dark colors that I apply first & then paint the lighter "dots" over the top. I have now completed a large section of the lower left corner & it is amazing how the colors change. I'll keep you posted on all the latest details, as I would hate for anyone to loose any sleep over this hee hee hee hee

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS- Vertical Gardens

2009-03-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have joked about covering my walls with a ChiaPet concoction. That the houseplants just aren't enough. I thought how fun it would be to have canvases that are living plants hung on the wall. I googled "using plants as art" & got garden sculptures. Ok, but not what I was looking for. Well, imagine my surprise when I opened this month's issue of Garden Design. A canvas covered in hens & chicks. Agh! That's what I had been looking for!!!!! The artist is Patrick Blanc, he creates Vertical Gardens using a hydroponic system. Simply amazing!

Finished, whew!

2009-03-25T05:08:00.000-07:00

Last week I spent a lot of time with this painting. I was trying to meet a deadline.... & I made it. I wish I would;ve written a journal just about the process of this one painting, it changed so much from the sketches & even when it was penciled in, it would change. I even painted over some of the squares. So here it is - FINISHED!

So now I am taking a little break this week from painting. I have found AMAZING tutorials on youtube.com. I re-learned how to knit, showed Sophia how to finger knit & short cuts to making repeating patterns in Illustrator.

Also so many new blogs by crafters here are a few, they also have links to other fabulous sites.... have fun

12 more

2009-03-04T04:42:00.001-08:00

Yeah! It only took a year & a half! but I FINALLY got 12 more art bags to the hospital. Each bag is soft, with a coloring book, crayons, a toy & stickers. I was really happy with how they turned out. Thanks Opal for sewing the bags!!! And thank you Nancy for donating the $$$ for the art supplies!! I think it will be wonderful to see how the bags change with what supplies, fabrics & ribbons I can find at the best price! This batch of goodies went to Ridgeview & will be given to the kids in same day surgery. We have given 32 bags & have enough supplies for a total of 75. Yeah!

Have paints will travel

2009-02-27T12:31:00.000-08:00

Here are my latest obsessions & my excuses for not having posted for 5 weeks (sorry Jen & Mo) :)! I tote them all over the house. Upstairs & down. Wherever the girls are playing there are the canvases, tracing paper, pencils &/or paints. I've found that if I have them handy, or each of them strategically placed all over the house I can get 5 min here & there & a lot can get done in 5 min! I have been obsessed with tattoos, quilt designs (thanks Lynn) & this paper lamp my friend Kinion gave me in college. Those 3 elements are repeated in all 3 of these paintings. the smallest one, the last of the pics is 2 ft sq! I am trying to meet a few deadlines for contests. We'll see if I finish in time & if anything wins.... I'll keep you posted!

Ok, first attempt

2009-01-19T18:18:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the look of woodblock prints. So, I am not very proud, but I will show, the first & humble attempt. So please be gentle :) I did buy some more blocks to carve, so I will keep trying. Man, do I admire the woodblock printers, even more! I had taken a very graphic bird/rainbow/flower image that I had designed in InDesign for a friend & decided to try to carve it into a 2-color print. The top block was the background & the bottom left block was the bird. Agh.... in my defense, Sophia, my 3 yr old was sitting on my lap the entire time..... :)

So Fun, & I'm going crazy

2009-01-04T12:58:00.000-08:00

So I have been thinking about how I could visualize my frustrations/observations of being a Momma. I was thinking of doing a "Manga" style comic strip, but got hung up on needing "action" or a "plot". Also I kept being drawn to, screen printing & paper cutting. So, in my search to create the look of those, I came across a tutorial on making stencils.... that is the short version of my searches & finds. Anyway, this is a Photoshop/InDesign version. & I am laughing because it is EXACTLY how I have been feeling this past month of sub-zero weather, snow & sick babes. AGH! A picture is worth a 1,000,000,000 words! :)

Addictions Realized

2008-12-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

So I have a little moo-la from Christmas burning a hole in my pockets & I've been thinking about some of my favorite things/inspirations. Which addiction should I feed?

Addiction

#1: Crafted metal

I'm not sure if I could find another amazing find like this above, from a local antique store. It is 4ft in diameter welded metal from an old farm rake. I found it a yr ago, it is now in our entry way. LOVE it! So maybe it will have to be this pendant I just found on lisaleonardonline.com

#2: Fabric

I don't know how to sew, but have a fondness for fabric design... someone had to draw & print these beauties and I'd like to be that person someday! alittlegoodness shop on etsy.com sells Japanese fabrics that are wonderful!!!

#3: Art books

Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't have the attention span to finish most books, but these are more of the "how to" so how can I resist?

#4: House Plants

But, I guess I do need to leave room in the house for the husband & kids :) I am planning on lining all the space above our cabinets with ornamental grasses, just need to find one that thrives indoors.

#5: Type

I'm wanting to start collecting different sizes of woodblock printing type. They look cool & could be used to print... I have found quite a few on ebay.

Better or Worse

2008-12-12T04:57:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this bird painting for what feels like FOREVER. It keeps morphing. I keep working & adding things. I'm not sure if it is making it better or worse. Can you believe it had started as an idea from my mother-in-law to paint from a photo of 3 pheasants that had been in our front yard last winter.... & now it seems more like a phoenix...The latest is on the background & it is the top photo. I wanted the blue snowflakes to be less noticeable, so the bird could really stand out. I thought about doing a white wash all over the background, or painting larger white dots over everything but the bird. The dots won. So I started at the bottom, in case I hated it, it might be easier to disguise there. But, I think I like it, I'll have to see when it's all done. Otherwise I'll paint over it & start from scratch. I keep thinking that if I was working on it on the computer I would just hit command z to "undo" & move things around, but I can't & there have been hrs//days/weeks spent with this bird!

Christmas list - so fun!

2008-12-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my Favorite things this year.....

So Santa probably won't buy these ultra cool lights this year... but a girl can dream.... these are from nichemodern.com. BEAUTIFUL!
Ok, so it is a coloring book.... & I am 31..... but still, look how cool those designs are!!! This is at creativekidstuff.com

This is a Sunprint kit from fatbraintoys.com. Their whole website is FULL of fun quirky things that I would want for me & I guess for the girls too :)

This top pic is such a fun ring from dilliondesigns on etsy.com. LOVE IT!!

These 2 books are on amazon.com & would love to have them & lots of other art/print books in our library

Oh, & Santa, if you're reading this, I've got a lot more ideas bookmarked :) & I've been extra good this yr

2008-12-10T04:53:00.000-08:00

This is my latest idea! It's a 3ft sq acrylic on canvas. This is just the start... I'm trying to add color similar to the plant shown below. That is a houseplant called a croton. The leaves crack me up- so much color from one plant! My friends gave me several for my birthday & they make me happier then a houseplant should :) I'm thinking of painting the leaves: the outer ones yellow, then orange, then red & last brown, or I'll try & mimic the plant.... stay tuned to find out.

Bright Blessed Day

2008-09-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged this summer. I didn't mean to let it go, I have been so inspired (Yeah & FINALLY) & trying to paint/sketch new paintings every spare moment. That's not to say I didn't spend ALOT of time at the pool & parks with the girls! :) Above is the latest painting "Bright Blessed Day" (a line from Louis Armstrong's "What a wonderful world") 24 in x48in board painted with enamels. It is on the front sign of Artworks, the art supply store in Excelsior. There are 8 other artist's paintings on the sign.

This was my "office" while working on the painting. I had to use enamels because it will be outside & the fumes were TERRIBLE. So, I set up this table each time I had a few moments to work. Some mornings I would wake up at 5 am to work & pray that the girls would sleep till 6. The sun would just be coming up over the corn, ahhh, life is good.
Here is the work in progress, I should;ve taken a pic of all the random things I used to draw this. The circle "clouds" were traced from plates, bowls, random toys, & templates. The red sun flames were traced from a paper star light that my friend Kinion gave me in college. I had so much fun & was so happy with th eway it turned out! :) Now I've started 2 new large paintings, but more on those tomorrow.....

close up!

CRAZY & Finished!

2008-06-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

These are the elements that I started with to create "Crazy" the latest painting. I named it that because there are crazy amounts of color, patterns, & dots. I started with 2 different patterns of fun paper, the color scheme from Sophia's sucker wrapper & a dinner plate. I had the painting penciled in & then went for a run (always where I think the best) & thought of painting the colors in circles. I used the dinner plate to trace the circles. & this is the finished piece. The purple is a metallic which created the glare.... but you get the idea :)

I LOVE finishing paintings, almost as much as I like to start them :) but somewhere in the middle they haunt me with doubt. So this is D-O-N-E & I am very pleased with it's crazyness. I would say that it resembles my thought process more then anything else I've ever put on paper. There is alot going on at the same time, going in circles.... the finished size is 14x17 & it is COVERED in dots. This one is different then others in the past that I usually start with a black under painting & add color on top. This has the color under painting & the same color added again on top in dots with a lighter shade filling the background to make the circles.

Here is a close-up, but it still doesn't show how many dots... Crazy amounts of dots!

expressivehealingarts.com

2008-05-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hello!

The title of the blog expressivehealingarts.com is the new & VERY impressive website of the gallery in Waconia where my paintings are. SO COOL. Go & check it out! This is one of the paintings that is showing there....

Today has been a buzz of activity. One of those days where it is a week's worth of things to do .... before 9:00 am! :)

We had baby chicks arrive via mail! We had to go to the post office & pick them up. SO CUTE! Then it was off to the nursing home with my Momma friends & their kids to hand out the kid's art work. It could not have gone more perfectly. The kids lit up that room! "Other grandma;s & grandpa's" (that;s what we call the residents) looked so happy, my friend Jen was helping some hold baby Anna, Nicole was engaging kids & elderly, Lynn started singing "You are my Sunshine" & everyone joined in.... I had to wipe away a tear. They are GOLD, friends like that are so dear, & rare & such a blessing for me & my girls!!! Who are now asleep, so I am off to paint. & listen to Patty Griffin's "Heavenly Day", on repeat.

All time Favorites (So Far)

2008-05-14T10:17:00.001-07:00

Edward Hopper

Some have come & gone, but these 3 always remain. My all time Fav painters (so far),. The painting is Edward Hopper's Automat. LOVE IT! I saw it at the Des Moines Art Center in Middle school & it resonated with my soul. I still feel like I've been hit in the gut when I see it. (I think that is a good thing) The others in the top 3: Gustav Klimt & Gina Tripplett Check them out & let me know what you think of them

give color

2008-05-02T05:38:00.000-07:00

These are my 2 ideas that I'm working on right now that I am so jazzed about:

1: to create art bags to give to kids that are admitted or in emergency rooms of the local hospitals
2: to have kids take & give their artwork to the residents of local nursing homes.

#1: The art bags were an idea that I found at this site . I thought that giving locally would make it more tangible. Sophia & I gave 20 bags to Ridgedale Hospital last Oct. & now I have contacted the other hospitals in Carver County, & received more donations to create, right now, more then 30 art bags. Grandma Opal has wonderfully sewn 20 bags out of soft fleece. These are the items that I have found to go in them, that would make each bag cost approx $3.50 ea.: 6x9 sketch pad, watercolor pencils, stickers & a paintbrush.

#2 I LOVE the idea of using art as a way to heal (this site is AMAZING!!), build community & spread happiness :) We have so many of Sophia's drawings/paintings that I am having to (gasp) throw some away. So, instead, I thought it would be great to give some to brighten up a sometimes dreary place. That's my second idea. So some of my Momma friends, & their little ones, are working on setting up times at the local nursing homes.

I will keep posting the progress!!!! Have a great day!

In the long run

2008-04-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

WARNING: this is going to be some rambling.....

While I'm painting I have the voices on each shoulder: The evil one whispering "Why are you doing this? Those are weird. What's the point" & the other, quieter " This is fun.... Ooh, what if...

I AM trying to remind myself that now is the time to: observe, gather, incubate, listen to what I'm drawn to, trust, & enjoy the process. blah blah blah... If I spend just an hr each day working on this, someday when I grow up I will be a woodblock/screen printing, fabric designing, fabulous artist, & in the long run I will be a stronger artist from these daily "workouts" :) but, thanks for listening!

Tattoos & Jack

2008-04-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

I am SO close to finishing this painting! This was a couple days ago... so I will post it when it is finished... It is a smaller painting 5 in x 5.5 in. I need to finish smaller ones to get the momentum for the bigger ones. I will get some prints made a little larger & have some inventory for the etsy.com store I am wanting to open. For the waves I had found a cool tattoo, took part of it & repeated that pattern in a circle. The fish were part of a different tat. Notice the end of the fish tails? They are the same as the pattern on the side of the abstract posted a week ago....I was listening to Jack Johnson, so this painting is enfused with beach vibes on many levels.

In Progress

2008-04-12T19:09:00.000-07:00

This is my "office". After 6 cups of coffee & praying that the girls take a nap, I go downstairs, put on some jazz music & paint for the precious moments until the babes need something.. :) On the table right now are 2 works on paper. The abstract in the background was inspired by.... a paper towel! For The painting in the foreground I found a design on a deck of cards. Still trying to decide: overall pattern, or make the circley things the top of some funky flowers.... stay tuned to find out......

Abstract Finished

2008-04-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

I just finished 2 paintings, a collaboration with a local carpenter/artist. The wood panels that I painted (above), he will turn into tables. These & a few more paintings are being sold at a local gallery. Very cool stuff!

Inspired

2008-04-10T12:50:00.000-07:00

With 2 little ones, I have spent ALOT of time at home this winter. Here are a few of the cool things I found around the house that I want to turn into paintings.

The first one is the seat of my parents chair :)

The second an old 70's towel that Sophia uses when she paints. SO FUN!

The third is our lenoleum on our downstairs floor :)

Can't wait to find more time to paint!

Welcome!!!!

2008-04-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Hi thank you so much for checking this out! This blog is my ramblings about my painting process & what inspires me & my art. I am working in a pointilsm/abstract style right now... but we'll see what tomorrow brings :)

(The banner is a pic of my latest painting)