Artful-Musings of Kathy LaRocco

Belated Holiday Greetings

2012-02-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, I did it again. My poor blog has been totally neglected for far too long. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and that the new year is off to a good start. We flew through our holidays. Nutcracker was a big success. Colin and Claire brought it home in a big way. Each year I fight for words that can describe my feelings and well, words just are not adequate. Perhaps these pictures will tell it all. I always have to mention the wonderful Dan Swinson. He has a gift for capturing these dancers emotions.

I managed to clean our home in the short days following Nutcracker and then Christmas was here. I cooked and a good meal and good time was had by all. We were blessed to spend our Christmas Day with Grandpa. He is in the late stages of Alzheimer's. We know that each gathering is a precious one because time is cruel. Marc's Dad may only have a short time or not...its a crap shoot and so terribly unfair.

New Years was very quiet. We spent it with neighbors who we have known for many years. Our children have grown up together. Great talk, good food, and wonderful people. Who could ask for more. I'm afraid our party days are sooo over. Marc and I rang in New York's New years and then we drifted off...

I managed to teach a fun class at The Studio. Our patrons are always so enthusiastic and each lady produced a lovely whimsical portrait even though many said they could not draw. Ha, joke was on you :)))

And then our bubble burst. Our dearest greyhound, Tigger, slipped on our tile floor and broke his shoulder (a pathological break) although we did not know that until the following day. He did it on a Friday night when a snow storm was raging. So we waited till morning. I could tell he was in pain but he ate and drank normally. We had to carry him up and down the stairs and carry him to do his business outside. I knew in my heart of hearts it was not good. I had the kids say good bye to him the next morning and I fed him a huge yummy breakfast. Indeed I knew he would not be coming home because even though I did not have xrays to show the break, I knew what it was and I knew this kind of break was not good...osteosarcoma (bone cancer) is prevalent in his lineage...enough said. The Xrays showed or confirmed what I feared and we chose to send him to the Bridge right then and there. I will miss you Tigger. You were my dearest hound.

During all this, Colin auditioned for big company summer intensives. He auditioned at the Bolshoi, American Ballet Theater, and Pacific Northwest Ballet (which we eventually decided to sit out of). He was accepted to all with scholarships. So a decision had to be made as to where he would go. stay tuned...will update that a little later :))))

Its Nutcracker time Once Again: 12/7/11

2011-12-07T16:03:00.001-08:00

I am trying so hard to savor each moment of my 2011 Nutcracker Experience. It will be a bitter sweet one I'm afraid. Colin and Claire have one more year before they move on. They will go separate ways. My twins will begin to have their own lives, apart. I don't want to dwell on that. It is hard enough knowing they will soon be seniors. I want so much for each of them. I want their dreams to be fulfilled. I want them to be the best they can be and I hope they will always stay in touch. I hope they will want to come home on the holidays or that I and their Dad can go to them on the holidays. I hope.....

So how is this years Nutty shaping up? As I said, I am trying hard to savor each moment, smile with each trip I make to the Opera House because something was forgotten, rejoice when I have ballet shoes to sew, take the home Christmas decorating in stride even though I have Christmas this year, shrug when I spend umpteen dollars on carry out meals through rehearsals and performances, make no comments about how many small loads of dance apparel I have to wash each night for the next two weeks, revel in each performance that I have tickets for (I have five performances that I am seeing and 3 that I am ushering), be a proud Mom no matter what happens in each performance, be a kind Mom when first time Nutcracker parents are trying to figure out scheduling and the tricks of the trade (so to speak), and finally, soak up the compliments with humility from other parents and friends. I want to remember everything. I want to be a part of Colin's and Claire's triumphs. I just hope I deserve all these precious moments because they will be over all too soon. Merde my dear Colin and Claire.

Love MOM

So much to be thankful for: 11/22/11

2011-11-23T08:43:00.001-08:00

So its the eve of my second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving. Reflection time for me is always right around this time of year. I've had one of those years that as a mother, realized some of my worst nightmares. My daughter Kaitie has had two close calls as of this writing. The first was the accident on June 4th that totalled her car and realized an ADHD diagnosis. I had a hard time coming to terms with just how close she came to being seriously injured or worse. After spending some quality time with God, I resolved to be a better mother to her, to be more patient (something I have never been able to do), to love her unconditionally and accept her for who she is, not what I want her to be. That accident was every mother's or parent's worse nightmare. Continuing, just when I thought life was good, God sent me another wake up call. Kaitie was rushed to the hospital last week. She had developed a serious kidney infection (started most likely as a UTI) which went septic. We spent two days on pins and needles as the health care team tried to figure out an antibiotic scheme that worked. I tried so hard to be strong for her but I did finally break down in front of her, my family, the nurses, and her boyfriend. I could not believe we were facing this. How could this happen and get to this point? I have always been able to catch her illnesses before we had to resort to emergency care. You know, step throats, ear infections, and even a UTI when she was very young. How could I have missed this... I really guilted myself out and for the last week have been pretty subdued. How can one protect this young adult? Is it even possible. Well she is home now, back to school and work, and even though she is still on the antibiotic regiment, she is herself again. I know God would not give me more than I can handle but really...two close calls in such a short time span? I am grateful that I finally had enough sense to get her into the hospital, too much longer and it would not have been good.

So what else am I thankful for. Well there just happens to be this wonderful man in my life. And then there are my twins, my gloriously talented twins. There is my home and my wonderful greyhounds. My health, my friends, being gainfully employed (both of us), my art, and of course the Nutcracker (which is just around the corner). Lest I forget my God who keeps me grounded in reality.

I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving. I for one know just how blessed I am to have my family around me on this holiday....

Surfacing Again: 10/30/11

2011-10-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

I simply have not been able to put together contiguous thoughts nor meaningful ones for the past 3 months. So do you ever question why you started a blog in the first place, do you wonder if your words are worth reading, who really cares, do your talents make people want to come back and revisit your work/writings... I am in one of those periods I guess. I have never really been good at keeping this resource up to date. My priorities switch so often. Perhaps its a touch of my ADHD (really). So when I am feeling like this I try to go back to the real reason I started writing using this venue...yep...for my children who are almost young adults. I hope truly that they find this little gem one day and really peruse through the stories and artwork...maybe they won't judge me so harshly. Gosh this sounds like a pity fest. The funny thing is, I'm really OK, just a little befuddled at times.

Skulls for the Passionate Frida

Most of my August was spent ordering, organizing, and preparing for my part of the Passionate Frida Workshop. I honestly don't know how I got through that. For four nights, I spent my time with the dancers from this ballet making props which included 24 skulls, over 200 paper flowers, decorating maracas, and teaching (not only the art part but the history of Mexico from early 1900's through Fridas death in 1954). It was so important to me that the girls and guys understood the essence of Frida, and that essence is in Mexico herself. I hope the kids learned something. In these pictures by Dan Swinson you can see two of my props. The folding screen contains a mural that was copied from one of Diego Rivera's works. Mrs. Svalander wanted her Diego to be working on a mural. And below is the cubist painting that I copied again from one of Diego's originals. This was used during the scene when Diego was painting a portrait of Christina, Frida's sister. I have to say this experience was very rewarding. It pushed me as an artists, to go where I have never gone before. By completely immersing myself in the life o

Frida, I was able to almost understand her passions, Diego, her art, and Mexico. Then when the ballet premiered, it felt almost surreal. The dancers were absolutely incredible. Because I studied Frida's life for the workshop, I could follow in depth the symbolism used in this work. It was a once in a life time opportunity.

Since Frida, I have been preoccupied with preparing mixed media classes for the Studio School of Art. I also took an on-line workshop with the Fabulous Katie Kendrick which was relaxing and freeing. Because Frida was so much on my mind, during Katie's class, I started a collage which is all about Frida. I started it in September and it is still waiting for me to finish :) My ADHD has gotten the better of me and I am now working on several projects at once getting no where. I have two workshops coming up..... Oh and its Nutcracker Season. Colin and Claire are in the thick of it...They still do not have a license and I'm still driving...

I'm going to leave my entry at that...I read some of my back logged favorite blogs today. So glad to see beautiful art... k

Summer Recap 8-15-11

2011-08-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

4 AM 7-10-11, all ready to leave

I don't even know where to begin. My summer has been one of hurry up and wait, stress, little art, and proud momma moments. Busy = something had to give, sadly, it was my blog. Having been away for 2 months, I was surprised to see this new lay out in Blogger. It took 10 minutes to get reacquainted. I can't decide if I like just yet. Anyway, my emotions ran the gamut this summer and I often found it difficult to put anything down in words. The blog got pushed aside. After Swan Lake, it was all about getting Colin ready for his four week workshop with the American Ballet Theater. I spent most of June making lists, buying supplies, emailing back and fourth to the program coordinator, etc... Meanwhile both Colin and Claire were taking classes (a summer intensive) at their year round ballet school. They also took drivers ed and so I was in the car on and off all day during June and the beginning of July. My oldest was registering for our local college and that was an ordeal in itself. And then, the magic day for Colin was here, July 10th, he and his father headed to Texas and the adventure was on. Colin took classes at the ABT program in Austin Texas at University of Texas. I really was not all that weepy when he left, it really hit me though later that evening when I did not hear him on his XBOX 360. I looked forward each day to his phone call, his Facebook updates, his voice, his pictures. I mad sure to send him a daily picture of his Mandy dog ( our female greyhound, he adores her) and made sure to send him a weekly snack package. Claire, on the other hand kept me busy with ballet classes, the gym, and the pool. My oldest, Kaitie, well its been a long hall with her. After her huge car accident, we sought professional help and she was diagnosed with ADHD. Talk about a whirl wind of doctor appointment. I am still trying to get her meds dosage correct. At the college, I set her up with special needs accommodations but that was no easy ordeal. I started the process and July and I am still gathering paper work. At the end of July, Claire had her showcase performance. This was the culmination of 6 weeks of work. No photos, of course, but let me say, she was a bright star up there on stage. Her smile, her presence, was the best I have seen it. This summer she was accepted into the JSSB company course and because it is so rigorous, she improved her technique and learned some partnering skills. Mrs. Svalander brought in guys specifically to work with the company dancers. As one might suspect, guys are few and far between at the local ballet schools around us, well around most local ballet schools across the country, but Mrs Svalander managed to gather up enough young men to work with our girls. What a perk.

Claire in Summer Show Case

On with the ABT. I don't have many photos. Colin, being Colin, took none. There will be some shots though, by a professional photographer, however they are not posted yet. On August 4th, my husband and I went down to Texas to pick him up and see his final performance. The ABT accomplished much with these extremely talented young dancers. To get a show ready in just four weeks..... Colin grew so much during this time in Austin. Not so much physically ( his height is the same), as emotionally. He had the opportunity to dance with other male dancers that were as talented (and then some) as Colin. To me, that was huge. When I saw the guys on stage together, it made me so proud that Colin was a part of it all and he danced so beautifully. I cried of course. I have to hand it to the ABT program. For Colin it was so worth it. Even though he had a full tuition scholarship, Marc and I still had to cough up room and board and food. Not to mention the air flights and transportation costs associated with getting around Austin... What the heck though, this is Colin's dream. This is a company Colin would die for (to get into it). So we roll with the punches... I think that Colin has made some life long friends. WIth social media, he won't loose touch.

My version of a Day of the Dead Skull

Meanwhile, we are preparing for the next show...No, not nutcracker, although auditions are coming up very soon. Mrs. Svalander was invited to stage a new ballet about Frida Khalo. This is for/in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month (October). The performance is October 1st. Yours truly is helping out with the props. And that is where is where I am as far as my art. I had all these great plans for finishing actually collages. Where the heck has the time gone? And the sad thing is that I knew this would happen..it does every year, every extended break (Christmas, Spring break).... I just can't seem to budget my time at all anymore. I did manage to get an application in for the Raue Center galleries this coming year but that is about ll. So as September fast approaches, I have a list a mile long that are "must get done" now items. Sigh......

K
P.S. I have a new internet friend that I just had to mention. Her name is Susie and not only is she a marvelous mixed media artist but she totally relates to all my blurbs about my ballet mom life because she too is a ballet mom. It hink that is so cool. The internet brings so many people together. Susie, thanks again for your email. Here is Susie's blog link... http://mylifeonebitatatime.blogspot.com/

Swan Lake Reflections: 6-20-11

2011-06-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

This past week I spent some time recovering from Swan Lake rehearsals and performances. I did the hurry up and wait routine about 3 times per day during the tech rehearsal week and then went to 4 performances of Swan Lake on the (the 10th, 11th and 12th). No art has been done for the past two weeks but I a beginning to get the itch again, gratefully. Colin and Claire have had a down week this past week as well so I spent much of my time with them. My 18 year old, who is really going on 30, was rarely home at all so I was grateful to spend some quality time with my 16 year old twins. Claire and I did some shopping, her favorite past time, Colin and I did some movies, we all sat down to dinner together which is a rarity and I did a lot of home cooking. We also hit our health club 4 of the 5 weekdays which is a perk as well.

Each night before I fell asleep I put together some thoughts on my children's performances. It is funny how it works but with each passing year I can see such great improvement in their technique and in their performance. Thanks to the magic of professional videos, I can relive all those memories. This particular performance found both Colin and Claire in solos. I am so proud of both of them! Claire, recovering from mono, lit up the stage. Regardless of how tired she was, you would never know she was ailing. Her personality just totally came through. Colin was absolutely incredible. He was pure grace and power. I was able to watch him perform as prince (he was the understudy) and I have to give him kudos. His range of emotions were right there. You could see just how in love he was with his Odette yet he was totally conflicted at the same time. Bravo Colin...you are destined for the big stage. Enjoy the little slide show below..you will see what I mean :)

Mrs Svalander, our studio's artistic director, invited some friends to attend the last performance. These friends were former professional dancers from about 40 years ago. They made sure to tell Colin how talented he was which just about sent him into tears. I really don't think he wants to admit how talented he is. I think that is a defense mechanism for him. These ladies, some in their 60s and 70s, we never met before but you just sort of knew that they were former dances (with Stone and Camryn in Chicago) because of they way they moved. I was also moved my their comments. I mean really choked up. I am always amazed at the range of emotions this performing art brings out in me. The ballet is something extraordinary and I do hope, dear readers, you take the time to see one at least once.

And so, here we are at another week. Colin and Claire have started Mrs. Svalander's summer intensive which basically preoccupies ~8 hours a day (with lunch and dinner breaks) 3 days per week, and about 5 hours the other days (except Sunday). Colin leaves for Austin Texas on July 10th to participate in the American Ballet Theaters summer intensive. I do hope he posts daily on Facebook (feel free to friend him if you want to follow his exploits, Colin Ellis). My husband and I will attend his final performances down in Austin. I am so excited for him. Claire will have a final summer intensive performance too and I do hope she is given some beautiful solo moments. She is ready for them :) I need to put my artist cap back on. But that may have to wait for a while long...I have to gather all Colin's stuff, and there is a lot of it, to pack and send down before he leaves, and also pack him up for the actual trip. Never a dull moment.

Least I forget, all these photos are © Dan Swinson, whose talent is awesome. Thank you Dan for allowing your faithful followers to use some of these photos :)

k

Swan Lake

2011-06-10T07:25:00.000-07:00


Swan Lake 2010: Photo by Dan Swinson

This photo is from last years production of one of the most beloved ballets, Swan Lake. And this is what I have been up to all this week. Tonight begins the marathon weekend of performances. Coin and Claire are totally pumped and you can feel the adrenaline in the air. So as alluded earlier, this week has been about getting the kids to and from rehearsals and waiting... I am too involved with the excitement of it all so I have not been able to concentrate on much else. I wonder if other parents of children who dance or perform on stage feel the same way as I do. I can't buy tickets for just one show, I have to buy tickets for 4 shows. I have long ago come to the conclusion that Colin and Claire will be 18 all too soon so I am going to enjoy every minute as a ballet Mom and a very proud one at that. The house work will always be there, so will my art, so will the wash!!! But my children have always come first no matter what the cost. We've sacrificed a lot through the years so they could have the best training available and it is paying off in a big way. Colin has chosen dance as his career path and will be studying at a summer intensive with the American Ballet Theater in July, Claire wants to go to college to pursue her dancing. I'm smiling ear to ear. So as I sit here and type this, I am eagerly awaiting the first performance tonight. As soon as Mr. Swinson has some photos available I will post them. He is a fantabulous photographer and has a knack for capturing dancers in their finest moments.

k

Breathing 6-8-11

2011-06-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

"Transformation" completed 6-3-11

I have been meaning to summarized my last week. I really had good intentions to write on the weekend. But as it always seems with me, time just gets away. I'm back on a path again, not exactly the one I was on before this past week, but at least its a path. My oldest has recovered from the shock of her car crash and is asking for a car again...to that I say, fat chance. We just found out her $16,000 car has $12,000 worth of damage. So now we wait for our insurance agency to decide if they total it or fix it. My Claire has been cleared for dance. Thank God. Up until yesterday, I had a tight grip on her making sure she got plenty of rest, fluid, sustenance, etc... We allowed her to mark her part but no more than that. Last night was the first rehearsal that she actually danced and she brought tears to my eyes. She will remain fatigued for some time but as long as she knows when to rest, all is good. My son had the opportunity to dance the prince part in Swan Lake last night (rehearsal). He is the prince Sigfried understudy. So I was invited to watch him perform his actual part as well as the understudy Prince Sigfried. I have seen his Benno (best friend of the prince) and have always been amazed at his athleticism, but his prince...my boy actually acted the part. Its one thing to dance well, its another thing to embody the part. And this he did. I was in awe. My 16 year old son, looked so love smitten. I wish I had pictures. I can't wait to see the actual performances this weekend. Right now, this is what is keeping me in the game :) I'm thinking that Mr. Dan Swinson will have some pictures of rehearsals up soon.

Another bright spot these past couple of days was the completion of "Transformation." Because this piece is so textured, I was at a loss at how to seal it (since it will not b3e under glass). I settled on my go to sealer, Dorlands Wax. Worked like a charm. I was able to finish and seal by Thursday of last week. The wax cured for 24 hours and then I buffed the finish. Voila, I was ready to let her go on Friday. I wanted the recipient, Mrs. Hirsch, to open it while I was standing there. Tears welled up in my eyes when I saw the joy this piece brought to her. She was almost speechless but not quite. The hugs and the smiles spoke a thousand words. I think I will offer prints of this one if ever I get time to get my ETSY shop up and running once again.

Swan Lake is this Weekend. The Black Swan photo below is by Mr. Dan Swinson and is of one of our beautiful dancers. If you live in my area and want something completely cultural to do this weekend, head on over to the Opera House. This is a fantastic ballet and danced so beautifully by The Judith Svalander Dance Theater. Both my Colin and Claire have big parts :) I am a proud Mom for sure. My studio time will be non existent until after Swan Lake.

Presented by:

Judith Svalander Dance Theatre

June 10, 11 & 12, 2011

Friday at 8:00 PM

Saturday at 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday at 2:00 PM

Tickets: $23.00 Adults & $16.00 Students

http://www.woodstockoperahouse.com/shows-June11.html

Transformation Nearing Completion and thoughts on Motherhood.

2011-06-02T19:32:00.000-07:00

Its been a hell of a day. As I sit hear, in tears, I can't decide i I am feeling sorry for myself, filled to the brim with frustration, or grateful for all in my life. I've been reading, almost religiously, Kelly Rae Roberts blog for several years now. She became a mother for the first time about 7 months ago. Her posts, naturally, are filled with the wonders of motherhood and also the the real fears that come along with being a new mom. As a Mom, I have relived, through her words, all my children's births, their firsts milestones, their first day of school....And yet, I say to you Kelly, nothing can prepare you for when you have to start letting go. My Claire, at 16, was diagnosed with Mono. While of course its not the end of the world, it feels like the end of her world to her. Swan Lake is everything to her and with performances next weekend, we are hoping and praying she can perform. The real back breaker though, was this afternoon. My 18 year old was in a car accident, her fault, that pretty much totaled her new car. As I raced to the scene, nothing could prepare me for the look on her face nor the flood of relief when I saw that she was not injured. I wanted to strangle her but instead I grabbed her and held her tight as we both sobbed together. So much went through my mind. Every little giggle or smile or coo she made as an infant, her struggles all through school, her triumphant high school graduation, her happiness when we put a down payment on a new Honda Fit (which by the way has a high safety rating and I believe in any other small car the outcome may have been different) only 2 months ago, her first car accident last month..... Kelly Rae enjoy those precious moments....... So now on top of illness we all have this to deal with. I know I could have lost her, I know I have so much to be thankful for, I know...I guess I am just feeling sorry for myself. And I'm feeling scared. How do I let her get back into this car? I have worried every time she goes off on her own and it seems my fears were justified. I always said if I could just get them through high school... Sigh, tomorrow is another day and I'll spend it one the phone but I'll survive.

After the accident happened and after dealing with the insurance company, I headed to my sanctuary. Here is where I am at on this mixed media collage. It is nearly done. Not only is it a work of love, it saved me tonight from a total melt down. The photo is from the iPhone 3Gs which isn't the best quality but I'm saving the scanner bed for the finished work. I'm probably going to do another glaze over the entire piece and add some sparkle on the dress to emphasize the magic of the moment. Her bodice is adorned with gems. The dress is 3-D because I used white tissue paper. So I am pleased where this piece led me. I totally worked intuitively having only a picture from a magazine of a dancer that I sketched. The rest just sort of happened. The background though, really set the mood and after the sketch, it just happened. There is a good chance that I will finish it tomorrow. Then I want to seal it, wire it and scan it (not necessarily in that order). I can't wait to give it to my twins ballet teacher. That will make my day, my week, my year.
k

Slowly Getting There: Progress as of 5-31-11

2011-05-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Transformation

For my children, this past weekend was the first one of the summer. School is out, no tests, no homework, no papers and both are sick. My son has a nasty cold and sore throat, his twin sister seemed to have something much worse. I took her to urgent care on Sunday. I thought she had strep. All symptoms pointed to it. The doctor wanted a rapid strep test and it was negative. So that left him with a probable mono diagnosis. SHIT. Swan lake is in two weeks! Well tomorrow I will take her to her pediatrician and we will get a blood test. I am hoping for anything but mono. Her glands are so swollen she can barely talk. Nasty. Art time has been minimal. I guess I should be use to it :( I did get into the studio today and here is where I am at on the piece that will be a gift. I still have more to do but for the most part, it has come together. Being a little distracted, I have lost the enthusiasm for this work. Need to get it back so I can finish it! I have a working title: "Transformation" and it suits the work. I do have some words I want to add as well. Let me say that this photo is an iPhone one and the colors are off. When I complete the piece, I will definitely scan it. Its funny, as I am looking at this piece here in this post, I can focus in better on areas than still need defining etc.... Hmmmm K

Demo finished from Spring Scape class: 5-26-11

2011-05-27T12:22:00.000-07:00

"First Thaw"

Just a tad bit whimsical, this mixed media and collage depicts the joy I feel whenever I think about Santa Fe in the spring. Actually the inspiration for this work is steeped in the art of Phyllis Kapp, an
internationally collected water color artist who resides in Santa Fe. She turns 80 this year and I wanted to create a piece in her style. While she of course is a painter, I altered these papers in southwest themed colors for use in my work. The piece is entitled: "First Thaw." In addition to the papers, some of which are from the Paper Packet project, I used acrylics, water soluble oil pastels, artist crayons and gel pen. The work is 8 by 8 inches and is on canvas board.

I did manage to work a little further on the piece below. I have not titled it yet but I have a few ideas that I am ruminating on. I hope to take a quick picture later today. I probably won't get back to work on it till Monday as our weekend is shaping up to be really busy..that is nothing new :)

K

A Gift inProgress:5-26-11

2011-05-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

Step 1:The Papers

Step 2: Background painted

These last few days have been heaven sent.I am finished for the school year (yea, I graduated 10 pre-k children) and my own children are still in school (she said with a smile). Colin and Claire have finals right now and tomorrow is their last day. I am taking advantage of this peace and quiet to do what I love to do...create. since I have the luxury of time this week, I though I would share some of the steps involved in this piece as I go along. This work is for a very special woman. She is one of Colin and Claire's dance mentors and has just recently had a baby. I usually don't like to share my work so early but I wanted to share the evolution of this piece because I am becoming attached to it (on many levels). I took these photos with my iPhone 3GS so the poor quality should speak for itself.

Having dancers in my family, well I am often inspired by their performances. Very shortly (2 weeks to be exact)Colin and Claire will be performing in Swan Lake. So it seemed appropriate to do something in that vein, especially since the new baby is a girl. The basic papers include some adds from Dance magazine, an old Swan Lake program, and old ticket from Sleeping Beauty, and some pages from old books. The papers set the mood. In Step 2, I glazed the papers in three acrylic using Misty Mawn's sort of style for moving the paint around. I then used some alcohol and rinse aid while the paint was still wet. This accounts for the streaking. Step 3 was done today. Now you can see where I am going with this.Since we subscribe to Dance Magazine, I found a photo / pose that I liked and sketched it as best I could. Using a Stabilio pencil to sketch and then I whetted a brush to push the graphite around to sort of shade in those darker areas (like an under painting but cheating a little). I have several more elements to sketch in and maybe do a transfer rather than sketch the final element. I can't wait to see this unfold. There is still much to do.....

Step 3: Loose Sketch of main image

On another note, the artist reception for the collage show called E/Glued,was wonderful.The show was beautifully put together and showcased the work of about 15 artists from around the area and out of state as well. I was indeed very proud to be a part of that show. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures grrrrrr. I forgot. But in my defense, I had a second artist reception to go to that same night. I sort of was preoccupied. David Becker, renowned water colorist / artist, had a reception that was for his students. He teaches at The Studio in McHenry and has quite a following. The show was wonderful and I am so glad I had those few moments to soak in all that talent:)

Post Graduation: 5-23-11

2011-05-23T13:01:00.000-07:00

Its official, Kaitie is out of high school. I surprised myself by not crying. That is really unusual for me but the ceremony was so large and almost impersonal. I just could not get into it from an emotional view point. I hope that doesn't make me a bad Mom. Kaitie ran off with her friends before I could really give her a huge hug. I did finally get one and then I had to face a mass exodus of about 2500 plus people from the parking lot. I mean really! It was insane. We celebrated briefly with cake and balloons and roses and then she was gone. The parties are in full swing and it seems non stop. I do remember my graduation and I too was a person in absentia for weeks on end :) Good for you Kaitlyn! Enjoy this time with your friends. Soon everyone will be heading in different directions.

I finally came up for air on Sunday and got some studio time in. I finished a piece called Vernal Pools from my Claiming Sanctuary series. I also started a piece for an extra special Mom. Here you see the papers I selected and these are adhered to a masonite board (cradled). They may or may not be seen in the final work. Next I will add more texture with coats of acrylic paint and perhaps some thicker media like molding paste or I don't know, whatever moves me. There will be some drawing too. Can't wait to get going on it. And finally,I will be in the Art of the Land benefit once again. I finally finished the paper work (porcrastinated till the last minute as usual. The Raue Gallery also send me notice that I can submit this year for a gallery show with them. Lots cooking! Teaching a collage class tonight too called Spring Scape. Then I am taking a break (teaching break) till August.

K

Prom week: 5/2-5/6

2011-05-09T18:31:00.000-07:00

Kaitie

Who was I kidding? Did I really think that I would be able to get into the studio this past week? At least I had a little time on Sunday to reflect on what being a mother means to me but even those few precious moments were very fuzzy due to a nasty cold that I caught this past Thursday. I did a lot of running around for my 18 year old this past week. This was her senior prom. She worked last week, most nights and so details were left to me. There was a big part of me that loved doing these things for her, you know, ordering the boutonniere, running down hair accessories for the new do, digging out the her camera and making sure it was charged, finding that perfect clutch bag (which she hated and did not take), washing her intimates, and the list went on... And then there was a small part of me that totally hated doing all this stuff. Maybe it is because it was her last prom, maybe it was because I am finally realizing she is a young woman, or maybe it was because I never want this part of her life to end. I am so dreading her leaving... This is where my mothers day reflection came in. In the fall, Kaitie will be going to our local community college. I know she will still be living here at home but between school and her job, I will see her little. She is making decisions on her own now, driving her own car, making her own appointments for hair, dentist etc, and has her own very active social life. Sign...so bittersweet. This high school time has just flown...just as I knew it would. I tried to grab hold of it, tried to treasure each week, month, year...but come May 19th, Kaitie will graduate. She is anxious to leave it all behind, to start a new chapter, to move on with her life. She is anxious to be her own person. I just hope that I made the right decisions for her during the past 18 years and that she had internalized at least some of the age old wisdom I tried to pass on. Being a mom to her was tough, very tough. But there was one thing that came very easy...loving her.

Kaitie and her date

Resurfacing

2011-05-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

After the Paper Packets project culminated in our show, I took a deep dive. I really needed a break from it all. So no art since the 15th of April. Now its time to get back at it. I have a few ideas of where to go with my Claiming Sanctuary series (using papers from the paper packet project) and I have a new work I want to start for a very special baby named Ava. I also just delivered 3 works to the first ever all mixed media and collage gallery show in our area. Its about time! That show begins May 5th and runs a month at the Old Jail House in Woodstock, Illinois. Also I have a May 30 (or so) deadline to submit the works I want to hang for The Land Conservancy "Art of the Land" show in September. It is really nice to be juggling these shows.

Back to the Paper Packet artist reception. A nice evening was had by all. I think we stirred the pot a bit with these works and I was so proud of all the emerging artists. I was overwhelmed when I viewed all the finished and framed pieces. Absolutely amazing. A few of the works sold as well and that was just icing on the cake. I'm not sure how we will top this project. It was a while in the making and I so appreciate all the artists sticking with the program. I think it was a real learning experience for me in that while I have been in gallery shows, I never have been on the planning side of a show. I can't thank Lucy enough for her support and guidance. We learned the hard way. There are things we will do different next time for sure. But all in all, I think the show was a success.

Finally, on April 24th, Easter, my father-in-law turned 88. Here are my twins helping him read a card. Dear Jack is in the throws of Alzheimer. It has been a long road for my husband and his sister. My husband and I feel pretty useless. Between running our 3 teens around and all the other baggage associated with them, it has been hard to be there for Jack. He is deteriorating quickly. My sister-in-law is a saint. She has been running interference between his doctors, psychiatrist, and the woman who runs the home where Jack is living. It has been a nightmare for her. Hopefully his meds will be figured out soon and prescribed according to his needs.

Hopefully I will be in the studio at least one day this week. Prom is Friday and it is Kaitie's Senior prom. Big day.

K

Blog Giveaway Winner 4-12-11

2011-04-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Jen McBride

First I would like to thank those of you who commented on my NOVICA post...You all had a great shot at this gift certificate for 50.00. I numbered the comments on paper and then had my husband draw one...drum roll please.... Jen McBride, you won!!!!! So congrats and now you can spend a little more time on NOVICA's website. Enjoy...OH and I will send you the info once I confirm your email.

Now off to seal my fourth piece for the gallery show/opening/artist reception this Friday!

k

Ecological Ethics in our Global Society

2011-04-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well the big day is almost here. Our Paper packet project ( inspired by Seth Apter and Laura Lein-Svencner) will culminate in a themed show entitled above. This Friday is the artist reception and it is hard to believe we are really doing this. We (meaning 13 artists from The Studio) started this project back in late October. And now all the altering is done, collages created, works matted and framed, details for the show worked out, and works are starting to arrive for hanging. I am so proud of the ladies who committed to this project. Anyway below is a write up that we will display as guests walk in. And I would be remiss if I did not post my third work, Sedge Meadow III, in the continuing series- Claiming Sanctuary. Finally, if you want to win that 50.00 gift certificate, you need to comment on the entry below this one. I select a winner tonigh (at random).

K

Novica

2011-04-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

Tigger and yours truly.

Spring break has been utterly lousy. We spent the entire week searching for a car for my 18 year old, now gainfully employed. Car shopping is right up there with getting a cavity filled, it basically sucks. But that is another story and rant. I was much more pleased with my shopping experience at the Novica website and that has been much more pleasant to write about.

Novica is an organization committed to helping artists and artisans in developing areas of the world, through Internet sales. This of course is a win win situation for the artist, their family, and their community. Preserving the time honored family traditions of handmade, unique goods, Novica has brought the world to the artists and prospective buyers. While their are plenty of other fair trade sites, Novica seems to go one step further because the organization has eliminated middle men, putting more dollars in the artists pocket. This link provides information on the organization and how it started: http://www.novica.com/news/index.cfm?articleID=17

In an earlier post: http://artful-musings-of-kathyl.blogspot.com/2011/03/fair-trade-my-perspective.html, I described my perspective on Fair Trade. What got me interested in the subject matter again was that little email from Novica. Having discovered my blog post on paper packets, Ricky asked if I would be interested in reviewing Novica for my readers. Before I said yes, I spent some time on the site and just fell in love with all the goods from incredible artists/artisans all around the world. I read all about the organization, asked questions, got answers and then decided that I would bookmark this site for my future gift giving needs (and I do have a few that would appreciate the uniqueness of the items of this site). I also decided to review my purchasing experience with Novica. During this process, Ricky invited me to make a purchase. She gave me a gift certificate to use. In addition, she said I could use part of the certificate for me and maybe offer a portion of it to my readers. Great idea and so I am going to have a give away for that $50.00 gift certificate (details below).

Having been a research scientist in my former life, I had questions. I wanted to know if prospective buyers had to become a "member" of the site: NO. If you do decide to fill in your personal info and become a "member" of sorts, there is no obligation to purchase. I also wanted to know about National Geographics affliation with Novica:

"National Geographic is an investor in Novica and has been primarily attracted to our mission of helping preserve traditional crafts that have been disappearing in many corners of the world. Along with National Geographic, we're also funded by the World Bank, the Grassroots Business Fund, and other investors. NG doesn't actively help us find artists, we do that through our local offices in Bali, India, Thailand, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Ghana and Mexico."

While the National Geographic folks don't actually help with finding artists, Novica sends out regional employees to find new artists and to hold contests to find new talent. Ricky stated that: "We go to open air markets, hold contests, and go to hard to get to places to find new artists. Also, within the artisan community, many hear about us and come to our offices directly through word of mouth. " I also wanted to know what percentage of the cost of the product actually went to the artists and : "the artist sets their price and then based on logistics and regional factors there is a markup to get to the final retail price," was the answer. Gift certificate in hand, I went shopping. Being a bit selfish, I decided to buy a gift for myself. This however was no easy task. I love alpaca wool so I settled on a poncho made by Peruvian weaver Isidoro C'cahuantico. What I enjoyed about the shopping experinece was that I could read a little bio about each artist/artisan which was like a short geography lesson of sorts. I looked at a variety of products like home decor, jewelry, paintings, and a corporate gift store. To digress just a little, when I was in corporate America, I would much rather have had a hand made item from this gift selection. Our corporate gifts, no matter what they were, had the company logo on them. I mean, who wants to look at barbeque utensils with a company logo on them. Who really cares. Great idea Novica. I almost purchased a really neat frame made from paper which would have been perfect for one of my small paper packets collages but that darn poncho kept calling my name. I ordered and Novica sent me three emails detailing each step of the shipping progress of the poncho from Peru. It only took 6 business days which just about floored me. Depending on where the item is coming from, shipping times of course will vary. The package arrived gift wrapped (really cool tissue that will wind up in a collage) and with a post card from Machu Picchu thanking me for my purchase in Spanish.

So am I happy. Yep. I wore the poncho yesterday as it is finally warm enough (40's and 50's) here in northern Illinois. I received several compliments from sales people in Coldwater Creek and (of all places) Pac Sun. That never happens to me. Regardless, I love the feel of the piece. It is reversible so I can wear the lighter brown in the spring and the darker in the fall. Love it!

My Mandy and yours truly in my Poncho

Now for your readers, my give away is a $50.00 gift certificate from the Novica site. Thank you Ricky for such a generous gift and I am so happy I can share it with this blog's readers. So if you would like to win this gift certificate, just leave a comment on the blog about fair trade or anything you want. Share the this blog link with a friend and let me know that and I'll enter you twice. Also, if you do not have a blog, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner. I will use a random number generator to select the winner. An announcement will be made, Monday April 10th. The gift certificate expires in early May so hopefully that will be enough time to shop.

Finally, below are a few links that I looked at on the Novica site. The Novica Live Link describes home business opportunites, as in direct sales. Having done direct sales before, this was not of interest to me, nor was hosting a party because I am so busy. BUT this is a very different sort of home party and I am sure for those who love to host home parties, these products are so different and unique that it would be hard to resist purchasing them. The microfinance link describes opportunites for customers to buy products and make loans directly to the artisan, no middle man involved. I mentioned the corporate gifts section above and there is a section called green gifts for those of us who are environmentally savvy. These links are only just a small sampling of what the Novica story is all about. When you go to the site, have your favorite beverage with you and be prepared to be wowed :)

fair trade corporate gifts
Novica Live
green gifts
microfinance

Donation piece Done. 3-26-11

2011-03-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

Live With Hope

I have been so busy lately, I barely know which end is up! And believe me when I say, my ends are very easy to distinguish. The paper packet project is nearing completion and our art show is April 15th. One more class meeting to tie up loose ends and answer any question the artists may have and we are there. I submitted jpegs for a collage show at a gallery in Woodstock, Illinois. I had to update all my biographical stuff too because it looked so lame, received my application for the Art of the Land Show (an annual event now at the Starline Gallery in Harvard) and I am feverishly trying to finish three to four new collages. In between all this I did finish a little piece for Michelle's annual Avon Walk for the Cure. I have been lucky enough to be involved in this small way for that past 3 years. What I normally do is compose a work just for this fund raiser but because of my commitments this year, I just am really artistically tapped. I had this work that you see finished here, already in progress though. It was intended for a fund raiser in Moss Norway (the now famous first ever Twitter Art Exhibit). Well I never finished this one ( I did however complete another work which hung in the Moss Norway local library for a month). So I changed it up and voila! I intend to matte it and frame it for the fund raiser. The work is a 5 by 7 inch mixed media and collage on 300lb watercolor paper. I have been using Arches lately and just really love that paper. So Michelle, I know you are on Spring Break but call me when you come home. I just need to matte and frame (have the materials ready) and it is yours :)

Fair Trade: My perspective

2011-03-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

I receive a lovely email about a week ago from a fair trade organization called NOVICA: http://www.novica.com/. The representative from NOVICA had read my blog post on the Paper Packet project that I am spearheading, thoght it was interesting, and wanted to introduce me to NOVICA. The organization is a fair trade one and it supports artists and artisans all over the world by giving them a place to sell their work (more on NOVICA in a later post). So this lovely surprize email started me thinking about fair trade and how we as artists can reach out a bit further than our comfort zone to help other artists in our global community.

I was first introduced to the concept of Fair Trade by a local Coffe shop called Conscious Cup: http://www.consciouscup.com/. As a matter of fact, it was one of the owners, Mike, who believed in my work and set up my very first gallery show at his shop (thanks Mike). That was some years ago (2007). OK so that is another story. Anyway, this small family run business purchases coffees that are TransFair USA “Fair Trade” Certified, Certified Organic, or certified by the Rainforest Alliance or Smithsonian Institute’s Bird Friendly programs. Only TransFair assures a floor price to members of its certified cooperatives, who must abide by, among other issues, child labor standards and a democratic structure. Organic certification and Rainforest Alliance certifications focus on environmental sustainability but also require growers to meet social and employment standards. They may also buy directly from small select farms and these coffees are labeled "Estate." Mike and the Shipley family are just passionate about this and one can taste it in their fine roasted brews. The Shipleys not only support local artists like me but other fair trade organizations too. They had an organization, who works with, I believe it was Mayan peoples, come and sell some of the artisans works. The proceeds helped to furnish a kitchen in a school. They support all sorts of fair trade products and a list of their "friends" are found on their site. With that being said, I have been a big supporter of fair trade coffee but never really thought much more about other products.

With this email from NOVICA, I started to finally realize that fair trade is so much bigger than coffee. To further explain: as an artist, I find it very difficult to just give one of my pieces as a gift to my friends because well, fine art is a very personal thing and I would hate for someone to receive a piece and hate it...or worse, not feel any emotion at all. Of course if my friends want a commission or purchase a piece of art, that is totally different. I don't know about you, but my close friends are very hard to buy for. That is where supporting a fair trade organization for artists comes in. It just seems very special to purchase a gift for a friend from an artist or an artisan who struggles in a most difficult environment. Supporting an artist who is trying to support his or her family in order to give them the most basic necessities and creature comforts that we all take for granted, well it just plain appeals to me and I know that presenting such a gift to a special friend would mean a lot. Organizations who seek out such artists usually frequent third world areas. I do fight with myself over this issue too though because I know that right here in America, the poorest of the poor struggle in the same manner. Everyday, people loose their homes, live out of their cars or on the street, don't have enough food to feed themselves let alone their family.... Yet I know there are other ways that I can reach out to them...volunteering through a variety of organizations, donating dollars, etc.. I do not think that our poorest are selling their handmade products on sites such as ETSY. Don't get me wrong, I love ETSY and follow several artists and artisans. I purchase from ETSY for myself and others, however, by purchasing fair trade, I have taken that helping hand one step further into the world. Yes, I think I like this idea very much. I am going to take a closer look at this fair trade site called NOVICA. And then, I write a little review for all of you. Who know...maybe a little surprize will come along with that review.

Thank you all for indulging me.
k

Sedge Meadow II from the series: Claiming Sancturay

2011-02-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

Sedge Meadow II

I finished another sedge meadow piece and finally got it scanned and entered in my art database. This is the same size as the previous work, 8 by 8 inches, and was done on 300 lb water color paper. The nature altered papers were further enhanced with acrylics, water soluble oil pastels, and graphite. I have one more sedge meadow up my sleeve and then I am thinking I will move onto coastal waters. In between my art I really need to start focusing on the details for the upcoming gallery show. While I find this process rewarding, details drive me crazy!

K

Sedge Meadow: From the series, Claiming Sanctuary

2011-02-27T07:24:00.000-08:00

Sedge Meadow I (from the series: Claiming Sanctuary)

I don't think I have been this excited about my art in quite sometime. There is something about working with talented people, all focused on a similar goal, that just gets those creative juices flowing. This piece, Sedge Meadow I, is the first in a small series of works focusing on the theme "Ecological Ethics in our Global Society." The series is entitled, Claiming Sanctuary, and it is a play on words (think about it and you will get it). The piece is 8 by 8 inches and was done on 3oo lb Arches rough watercolor paper. In addition, I just finished my second piece in this series entiled Sedge Meadow II (not a very creative title but oh well). And I will probably do a third sedge meadow. I am totally rocking on these beautiful places that face such an uncertain future (unless we do something now).

Last Thursday, the Paper Packets group met to unwrap their packets and look at their papers (unfortunately I did not get any pictures even though I had my camera with me). What a great evening. We all brainstormed what the the theme of our soon to be gallery show really means. Ideas poured out of everyone and I could barely keep up writing down suggestions on the dry erase board. I do hope this will ease peoples feeling about having a theme. Actually, I was so hoping that this would focus our artistic efforts as well as unify the show. I think those that view our works will have some semblance of understanding why these works are so meaningful and just how truly unique they are. After all, it is not everyday that mother Nature has such a huge hand in the process. Once these papers are gone...that is it. They are one of a kind...as will be the art that is produced from them. I am so excited for all of you ladies. I know your work will be amazing. Our gallery show will begin April 15th (with a meet the artist opening) and then run about 4 weeks. Still a lot of work to do but it is the kind of thing I thrive on. This subject matter is so near and dear to my hear. I just wish former Vice President Al Gore could make an appearance (hey why not dream big, I mean really big LOL).

This will be the first gallery show for many of the artists participating in this project. I want to thank Lucy at The Studio for lending us her space. I know that your walls will be adorned with incredible work. I hope this experience will be fun and not so scary. You are all amazing artists! Your work and voice should be seen and heard. Remember, we are all in this together and I could not be more proud of you!

I have some other things cooking too. I really have to get cracking on a collage gallery show that I was invited to participate in (once my jpegs have been looked at). And this morning I received a lovely comment on my last blog post that I though was really exciting. I need to look into this a bit further though and then I'll post about it. And finally, I need to do a piece for my the Pink Ribbon Angels breast cancer fund raiser. I'm smiling now...life could not get much better than this.

More pictures will follow soon of my papers (as I work on them) and of course, my finished piece.
Happy and peaceful Sunday to you all!
k

Studio Time: Paper Packets project 2-22-11

2011-02-22T14:22:00.000-08:00

My packet right before I
brought it in.

Papers after removed from packet

More time in the studio today. I have all this energy right now and I really am not sure why. My poor house is a mess (which is pretty usual) and I am not any less busy but my priorities have shifted again. I really want to complete my first piece from my personal papers that were in my packet at home by this Thursday. That is when our group meets at Lucy's Studio to unwrap their own packets. I further altered some of the papers, coated them with polymer medium, and have begun to rip and tear away. My first pieces will have to do with preserving landscapes for future generations. While the images will be abstract in nature, I think the title of each piece will help the viewer feel my story. I have nothing in mind yet except for a sedge meadow that keeps coming to me, as a place of beauty, right before I fall asleep at night. I simply can't imagine what would happen if these meadows disappeared. How would that effect the environment? How many species would become extinct or at the very least, endangered? What about the the water cycle and oxygen cycle? Would that tip the scales?

copied from:http://www.kidsgeo.com/geography-for-kids/0160-the-oxygen-cycle.php

papers after further altering

Ecological Ethics is the theme for our gallery show (in celebration of Earth Day). I hope our work will convey some sense of urgency to the viewers. If not through the actual works, then through our voices as we greet people and tell them our story. The work will be unique in as much as the papers and other items that were used to create them, were altered by Mother Nature herself. Once they are gone, there will be no others like them. They are unique, just as each work is unique. I feel very strongly about this topic and I am so proud to have been able to get this project off the ground for our artists and our community. I do plan on writing up a little summary of the work (and why each piece is so unique) to hang with the show. Lots to do before Earth Day !!!!

Paper Packets: Drying and ready to go 2-21-11

2011-02-21T21:34:00.000-08:00

After the storm

This past Friday, the paper packet project actually became a reality for me. Its one thing to bundle up a bunch of papers and throw them outside to decay (if you will) but it is quite another to rescue them after almost 5 months of exposure to the elements, lay them out, and begin the creative process. The packets that were put together by the Studio's mixed media class, were rescued from the Studio's little portico. A few of the papers were still buried under snow (from the great snow storm of 2011) but most were accesible because there had/has been a big thaw. On the home front, I brought in my packet which had been hanging on one of our white pines for 5 months. By Sunday, the packet was dry enough to unfurl and then the fun began. I felt like a kid in a toy store...looking at the contents of the packet. Some of the papers were coffee stained and tea stained while others were stained from easter egg dye tablets. Still others were frail and I had to handle them with care. The pages from news papers that I included actually bled some what. My only regret is that I did not stuff that packet with more papers.

So much snow, Feb 2011

On Thursday of this week, the group will get together to examen their packets. I can't wait to see the looks on their faces as they rip through the screening that held their papers. While I wait though, I have begun to stain the papers from my packet at home in colors that have a earthy feel. Greens, blues, browns, grays etc.. will be needed for the art that follows. I spent most of Sunday and Monday altering and getting really messy (my favorite part). My goal is to have at least one work done by Thursday's class. I have had a sedge meadow in my brain for the last two days that is just waiting to become a reality on 300 lb water color paper (Arches...yummy). The ideas for the Earth Show theme are swirling around in my brain...some more serious, others, imaginary places I would love to spend time in.

After the thaw

Drying in the Studio

The AfterGlo: Taking the 5 week course with Misty Mawn

2011-02-12T18:42:00.000-08:00

Gosh it is so hard to believe the course/class is over. Misty Mawn's Stretching Within course did just that. It had something for everyone. Once I figured out that there was no way I could "keep up" with all the assignments. I just picked what I would enjoy the most. I did "stretch" myself with drawing assignments and the painting exercises. There was so much more though and some I really had no interest in, at least for right now. I did take notes for future reference and I did copy all the useful links with her favorite tools of the trade. For example, I can't wait to try the white gel pen she has recommended. I have yet to find a brand that will handle mixed media works. I promise to review it once I order and receive it :)

"Industrial Evilution."

So how much art did I get done. Well, not too much. I sketched more that I have in decades. I did a couple of paintings and one collage that you see here. This work will be mailed to Misty for a future article in Somerset Studio (about her course). I plan on getting it out early next week. Bottom line, would I take a class with her again? Oh yea. Having wanted to study with her for years...this on-line class was the next best thing for me because travel is out of the question at this time.

A little bit about this work. Often times I try to make some kind of commentary with my mixed media/collage works. This one definitely is full of my ire with how things are going in the world.Lets just leave the rest to your interpretation. I used images that Misty gave us (the bust of the woman, her head piece and her hand). In this work I did a total of 10 transfers, all of which turned out pretty good. My collage glue for this work was soft gel matte medium (Golden). Some of the media I used included: acrylics, water soluble oil pastels, graphite, washers, and a variety of papers. I composed the piece, if you will, lying in bed before I fell asleep (over about a week). And I will say that I am pleased with it because it actually does convey some deep emotion. So now it is time to move on. I am grateful for this experience and will use it to build some new work that will emerge out of my paper packets.

The Blizzard of this decade so far: 2/1/11

2011-02-02T15:01:00.000-08:00

"Through the Screen." Really, really snowed in.

It has been an interesting couple of days. On Monday I had a colossal headache so I knew that something big was coming. Snow started gently on Monday, stopped, and then again started Tuesday morning. My headache cleared up Monday afternoon, only to return Tuesday morning at work. I know my body well enough by now to recognize that this headache was not due to my pre-k class (screaming five year olds), but rather that a huge front was going to hit our area. The meteorologists had predicted this huge Midwest storm but again, due to experience, I often don't believe them. I mean really, they are more wrong than right. But my head always knows.... Good thing I made all the copies I needed for my class on Tuesday at noon (just before it started to get bad) for the next time we meet. So by Tuesday night, roads were impassable, school had been canceled for today (2/2/11), and ballet classes had been canceled. It was wonderful cuddling up in my snuggie and renting a movie (U-Verse) knowing that I did not have to work today and the kids were home too. Ahhh the good life. Today, as you can see, we were snowed in. Could not go anywhere. The plow only just came through our subdivision and school was canceled for tomorrow as was dance (for tonight, not good by the way since Colin and Claire have performances this weekend in Schaumburg). So I tried to be productive and I guess you could say that I was. Our Christmas stuff is finally all down and put away, carpets vacuumed, and I managed to work on a collage for the Misty Mawn course I am taking. Misty's course is just wonderful but I have been wayyyyy behind on the lesson because of life (good reason I guess). Since we will be off tomorrow, I will get some more art time :)))) Hopefully the kids will have their

Later in the day, with help from a plow (thanks Kurt)

dress rehearsal tomorrow evening. They worked so hard
on rehearsals for these upcoming performances.

k

Update: Paper Packets in January Weather. 1/22/11

2011-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you dear Tami for sending me these pictures of the groups packets. Here is just a sampling of our nature induced green papers. We are inching ever closer to that magic week in February when we will gather the packets, bring them inside to dry and then voila, open them. Seth Apter, in New York set the ideas in motion as he did this experiment some time back. Seth has a wonderful blog, http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/ , which you all should check out some time. Thank you Seth for your write up in Cloth Paper Scissors on your disintegration project!

So here are some photos. After we inspect Mother Nature's handy work, we start creating. This will culminate in an Earth Day gallery show at the Studio in McHenry. The theme is

"Ecological Ethics in our GLobal Society."

Week two of Misty's class: painting using acrylics

2011-01-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

So it would not have been my life if I was not running all around this weekend. I mean really...On top of everything, I now have a whopper of a cold. The creative factor is kind of low right now. So here is my first painting for the week. A lone tangerine makes its debut. I basically did a simple contour drawing using the Stabilio marks all pencil and then painted the image (Golden Acrylics) after dragging the shadows in. I used primary colors of red, yellow, and blue to mix secondary and tertiary colors and then went to town. Not sure where I am heading next. But where ever it is, I know I'll have fun getting there :) K

A portrait: "After Odilon" - 1/15/11

2011-01-15T07:42:00.000-08:00

After Odilon

The portrait...first one I have done in a very long time, first one I have done where I tried to copy a great Master. I changed the hair, or rather, I gave her hair..but she still does enough come close to Redon's "Girl." Her proportions are so off... This was the one that I was going to throw out, but decided to show it anyway. It all part of new growth on my part...searching for a style still... What I learned in this past wee...I need to loosen up and try to interpret what I am seeing rather then try to copy exactly. I just can't do it. It is not in my nature :( So its time to move on.... Tomorrow will be a long day...Ballet auditions are on-going for my twins....

k

Quail study

2011-01-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Its almost been a week since I started Misty Mawn's Class. I have to say that it is packed, I mean packed full of wonderful videos (how to), assignments, and prompts. I am feeling stressed because well, I want to do it all but then there is something called life that gets in the way. So because of my stress level, I have only been able to complete about one third of this weeks exercises. So as a note to myself...relax kiddo you need to realize that it is impossible to keep up and begin to use your head more in terms of picking and choosing what will benefit you. Relax kiddo, when it is not fun anymore, you need to be smart and pick those exercises that speak to you. Relax kiddo, it won't be the end of the world if you don't post results every single day...Relax kiddo and breath....

So here I share another quail study. Misty asked us to choose an object to draw everyday for 5 weeks...I chose quail sculpture I purchased from Santa Fe. I wrote this poem/Haiku while I was lying awake in bed and then for day 3, I drew the little piece you see here. Now I am working on a portrait...I spent 3 hours yesterday trying to get it perfect...Actually I was going to toss it because it sucks but you know...I am not going to. I promise to post it but I want to spray it with fixative first. I simply don't want to work on it anymore and am ready to move on. I guess I am my own worst critic.

k

Two weeks into the New Year....

2011-01-12T13:06:00.000-08:00

And I feel like it is April already. How much stuff can you jam into 2 weeks????? Hitting the ground running for me means that it is audition time for major ballet companies summer intensive programs. There are photos that needed to be taken , registrations that needed to be filled out, spreadsheets made, and finally, the auditions themselves. Colin and Claire are both auditioning. This is their first time doing this so it is all about getting comfortable in front of teachers/judges. The weekends will be long around here for several weeks now.

Claire in an arabesque on pointe

My quail for daily drawing practice.

In addition, on January 1oth, I started an on-line course with one of my favorite mixed media artists, Misty Mawn. I have dreamed about taking one of her workshops but for several years, places like Portland, Italy, Valley Ridge, Wisconsin etc...have been out of the question. But on-line is a different story :)))) In week one we are drawing everyday and have "homework" every day. It will be an intense 5 weeks but that's just fine with me. I really need to push myself and this is one good way to do it. More on Misty's class later.

I am also gearing up for my first class of the new year at the Studio. Our group will be doing an abstract winterscape. Fun. I am going through the altering paper process very slowly. And I wish I could say I would have a sample ready for the class but not sure that is possible. I need to add pictures soon of January's paper packets as well. I guess I might as well be resigned to no sleep :)

Day 2, quails.

Nutcracker Aftermath: 12-24-10

2010-12-24T22:29:00.000-08:00

Colin and his Clara

Colin and his Spanish Princess

Merry Christmas to you all. It is Christmas Eve and it will be Christmas Day by the time I actually post this. I am sitting here now reflecting on my 2010 Nutcracker experience and still seeing visions of Sugar Plums..... These last two weeks have been all about the Nutcracker, as they have been for a good 10 years. I have told friends that I felt as if I was watching the events unfold hovering from above. I never felt really present but rather floating through each performance. The culmination of three months of rehearsals ended with the Tech week at the Woodstock Opera House (December 7-10). Those four long nights of rehearsals went surprising well. Colin and Claire even got their homework done. And then came the first weekend of performances followed by a week of rest and then the second weekend (Dec 18 and 19) of performances. As I am the proud mother of two very talented dancers, my opinion is very biased. However, to put it mildly, I was blown away...yes blown away by the quality of dancing, the quality of the performance, and the high energy that the Nutcracker held for me this 2010. Colin and Claire just get better and better. I received many compliments from parents and relatives etc.. Many of the people that literally grabbed me, I did not know. How they knew that I was Colin and Claire's Mother is beyond me but I have to say I enjoyed basking in their light, even for just a few moments.

Colin and Claire as Chinese

Colin was the Nutcracker Prince this year. He was also the Spanish Chocolate Cavalier soloist and the Chinese Tea soloist. Claire was in the snow scene as a snowflake and she was the Chinese tea soloist, partnering with her brother. When I saw Colin for the first time,he came on the stage as the nephew of Uncle Drosselmeyer. He was as tall as Uncle Drosselmeyer (about 6 ft). Tears welled in my eyes as I realized that my precious boy was now a young man. I just never realized how tall he had grown in just a few short months (he was 5' 10" in July). So here was this young man playing the part of the nephew, soon to be the Nutcracker prince. At that moment, I knew that these shows would be marvelous. And my Claire, she stepped up to the plate in her first solo appearance. To see them both dance together was one of my happiest and proudest moments as a Mother. Their performance was something I will never forget. After two weekends of nothing but Nutcracker (yes I saw every performance) I realized that even though these past weeks, many weeks of preparation for these performances, were full of stress, it was worth every minute and yes, I would do it again in a heart beat. Thank you Colin and Claire for the best Christmas gift ever.

As a final note, all the pictures on this page are courtesy of Dan Swinson. His website,


A final Kiss. I cried like a baby.

http://www.danswinson.com/photography, is full of beautiful shots of the JSSB (Judith Svalander School of Ballet) Nutcracker performances. These were pinched from his facebook photo album. Thank you Dan for being such a generous artist. These pictures are awesome.

And so it is that Christmas has arrived. I do hope you have created many memories this holiday and that 2011 brings many more.

k

The cast

Update: Paper Packets and Christmas Cards Arrived

2010-12-22T19:33:00.000-08:00

I have been remiss in posting Paper Packet photos from The Studio. Tami, thank you for sending me photos these last couple of weeks. Time has just escaped me but now that I have surfaced from my Nutcracker fog...I can get back to reality (more on the Nutcracker in the next post). So here is how they are looking. Lucy hung the packets in various places outside her studio in an enclosed patio of sorts. The space is surrounded by four brick walls of the adjacent buildings. It is a cute space and perfect for the exposing the packets to the elements. I will share with you a few photos so you can get an idea of how this project is proceeding. In February, we will meet to open the packets up, dry the papers, and begin the creative process.
The papers have been exposed to sun, rain, snow and ice. I have said it before, but I can't wait to take a look at some of these packets once they have been opened.

As a side note, my Christmas cards from Vista Print arrived 14 business days after I ordered them. I received an email from the company that they were to arrive on Dec 7th. I received them on Dec. 13th. Needless to say, I was not happy at all. Let me say once again, a lot of my artist Internet friends use Vista Print. However, it only takes one bad experience for me and I simply won't use them again. The quality of the cards was nice, nothing spectacular though. I just now got the last of the cards mailed. I hate working up to the last minute like this but at least they are on their way. No, I did not call to complain although I suppose I should have. I have the product, the cards are out, my form of protest will be never to use them again.
k

November

December

Merry Christmas: A Christmas card for 2010

2010-12-08T17:10:00.000-08:00


Christmas 2010

I started this work just before Thanksgiving getting the idea from the current issue of Somerset Studio. Unfortunately I do not remember the name of the artist who showcased this project. She did her Christmas collage on wood, I choose a portion of a game board that I had. I never throw anything out and just happened to have a chess board that was used for a Sesame Street version of the game. The board measured 16 by 16 and I divided into four pieces. It was coated with a plastic like material which I promptly sanded off and the rest is history. The final collage is being turned into Christmas cards at Vista Print. It was due to arrive yesterday and I still have not seen the package so I hope it comes tomorrow or Vista Print will be getting a serious email from me. Let me just say while I thought it would be charming to turn an original work into cards for all on my Christmas list, it was no cheap undertaking. I could have bought two or three boxes of the most expensive Hallmark Christmas cards and come out ahead. What was I thinking?
k

Paper Packetts update: 12-4-10

2010-12-04T06:41:00.000-08:00

More than a month since I shot a picture of my at home packet. And it is just 3 months till we reveal the artistry of Mother Nature. I am so excited about this project and can't wait to get my hands on those papers. I have yet to get to The Studio to take shots there of the numerous packets we have hanging. So I will definitely get there before the big holiday (Lucy, I did get cards made of my Christmas collage and I want to hand deliver one). Here are some shots of my packet from home. It is hanging on a 30 foot white pine :) And here is a flash---We have snow today so the packet is almost entirely covered!!!! You go Mother Nature!
k

The Crystal Lake Christmas Parade: 11-26-10

2010-12-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

Colin, the Nutcracker and his Clara

The day after Thanksgiving is always a Christmas decorating day for our family. We pulled out the Santa's, the nutcrackers, the holly and pine cones, the wreath and greenery, the linens, the tree, the lights...you get the idea. Of course half of that stuff is sitting on my living room carpet but we did manage to get a good portion of the works up and in place. It will take me another couple of days to finish the tree. Oh and then I have pointe shoes to sew (the dastardly Gaynor-Mindens), and Colin's canvas ballet slippers as well. I really need to stop dreaming about getting back into my studio, even though the need is strong. Preparations for the Nutcracker have barely begun. My son and daughter have had several "guest" appearances in and around the area with one of the first being the Christmas parade. I did not get many pictures but these two will give you an idea of the motley crew that participated. Everyone froze. I guess that is a tradition around here. It wouldn't be the same if one could feel their hands and feet during the parade. And so, onward to the craziness. Even though I cease to exist in December, I would not have it any other way! Happy December first!

the motley crew: Colin, the rat king (AKA Rachel), to the right of the rat king is
my Claire (Colin's twin) as a caroler, Emily, is Clara, on the other side of the rat king, her twin
Jenny (next to my Claire),Sugar Plum Fairy (AKA Fabi) and another caroler
(AKA Helen- far right).

Time never stops....11-29-10

2010-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

Where did this month go? How did I get through Thanksgiving? How many more days until Nutcracker or Christmas for that matter? I feel like I have been floating through this last month, sort of looking down on the days as they pass. We've been holiday busy as I am sure most of you have been. Thanksgiving week was a blur of cleaning and cooking and eating. And now we press onto Christmas. I do hope your Thanksgiving was filled with good family memories and for those who do not celebrate this holiday, I do hope your month of December celebrations are shaping up nicely.

More class participants

Claire and her purse

Right before Thanksgiving I finished up a class in which we altered ballerina pointe shoes and satin purses and sandals. I promised to post some pictures and because these past few weeks have been blurs, well I am just getting to posting them. I did finish a very special pointe shoe, the Nutcracker 2010 shoe, for the Judith Svalander School of ballet. That was the secret that I was working on. I presented it to Mrs. Svalander right before the holiday and I am thinking she loved it :)))) So here you can see some happy participants and their creations. I really loved this class because it was so laid back. No pressure to create a master piece...just fun. My kind of class. Enjoy the photos!!!

Nutcracker Altered Pointe shoe

altered purse

altered flip flop

altered purse

more altered pointe shoes

Paper Packets Are Assembled

2010-11-15T21:06:00.000-08:00

A stuffed packet

I promised pictures and finally, finally I uploaded them from one of our cameras. I have to say, some of the papers that were brought in were really gorgeous. We also had rusted nails, dried blueberries (my favorite), onion skins, leaves, Easter egg dye tablets, tea bags, coffee grounds, and I can't remember what else. There was a lot of stuff flying around :) The participants made two packets. One to hang at The Studio and one for home. This first gathering was a lot of fun and relaxing. We all talked and laughed. It was a great way to kick off this collaborative. So below are some pics from the evening.

Assembling packets

The evenings work, ready to hang

Donation piece for library in Moss Norway.

2010-11-02T20:08:00.000-07:00

Finished, except for a little varnish :)))) Now I am moving onto my second piece and if I don't finish by this coming Monday, well then this piece will go into the mail. I am giving myself an out on the second piece only because I am prepping for a class on Thursday. Drum Roll please! The paper packet class is a go. I might have mentioned that below somewhere but I don't think that I formally stated that. Currently I am cutting cardboard and screen for the packets. I am really excited about this because I know we will all get some great papers to work with.

This donation piece is entitled, "Misty Floes." I used papers from my art table and worked intuitively as I normally do. The shading was done with both Neocolors II and Portfolio water soluble oil pastels. The substrate is 300 lb watercolor paper. And so with that...my funk is over.

k

Moss Norway books for Children Donation: phase 1

2010-10-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am so happy to have this little donation at this stage. Again, using "scraps" from a pile on my work station (and you know these are gems because I never throw them out), I created this larger postcard size abstract land scape. It is yet untitled but given where I will send it, Moss Norway, it might have something to do with the climate in that part of the world :) I need to do shading with my favorite Neocolor II crayons and also, I think I want to do a gesso wash but not sure yet. I became aware of this little project, championed by David Sandum, through Twitter. Here is the link to read more about it. If you would like to contribute, scroll down to see when the drop dead mailing date is. I can't think of a better way to unit the global community than through an art project such as this. Kudos to David!

k

http://davidsandumart.posterous.com/call-for-artists-twitter-art-exhibit-in-moss

Paper Packets: Oct 25 2010

2010-10-25T16:19:00.000-07:00

It has not been that long since I hung my packet on the white pine in our yard. The rain storms this passed weekend has initiated some visible changes. The packet cardboard is buckling and I am seeing some staining of papers from coffee grounds (which have disappeared). There is also some blue stains from Easter egg tablets I inserted into an envelope. Tomorrow we are supposed to be getting some severe winds and a storm yea!!!!

As far as studio time...well I am thinking about it. Actually I do have a good reason to get myself beck in there. I have signed up to send a postcard size work to an artist twitter friend who lives in Norway... Their local library is trying to raise some funds for new children's books and David put out a call for artists around the world. The library will display these little gems and hopefully sell them. Here is the link to read more... http://davidsandumart.posterous.com/call-for-artists-twitter-art-exhibit-in-moss. So I will keep update when I have something to show. k


blue stain & coffee or tea stain

Paper Packets: A beginning, October 13th

2010-10-18T12:09:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my post below, Art classes have not taken off this fall. I am sad but at the same time, I fully understand. These classes would be classified in the discretionary spending category and of course they require a certain amount of time be committed. We have rescheduled the Paper Packets class twice now with the new date being November 4th (for the packet construction). I do hope this series goes. I so love the idea of having a gallery show on Earth Day with works that have incorporated nature altered papers. Crossing my fingers big time! Meanwhile, I brought home one of the packets I constructed ( on display at The Studio) to hang in my back yard. I placed the packet on an Austrian Pine tree, October 13th, for right now. So periodically I will take some photos to document Mother Nature's handy work. These packets (I still have one on display at the Studio and will put that one outside on Nov 4th hopefully at the Studio) will provide the nature altered papers I will use for my art next year. I want the theme of the Earth Day show to be "Ecological Ethics in our Global Society." Even if the class does not go, I will still create works around this theme for the 2011 Art of The Land Show. So that is where I am at right now, in a holding pattern.

Of Art, Colin, Ballet, and a Competition: My last couple of weeks-10/14/10

2010-10-14T12:19:00.000-07:00

So I am embarrassed. I love to blog, I really do. I enjoy the writing, I enjoy putting my thoughts into a logical order, I enjoy sharing, I enjoy the process. But I am also a master of procrastination. These topics are near and dear to my heart and yet they have weighed so heavily on me during the past two weeks that I get emotional when I talk about them and hence write about them. A couple of FaceBook buddies suggested I just write and free myself and they are absolutely correct. So here it goes:

OF ART: There has been painfully little art. After the Art of the Land show, which was a huge success for The Land Conservancy and a great show for the artists including myself, I basically crashed. Actually I think it was a little before the show that I crashed. My muse has flown the coop. I have little motivation right now and I have some reasons why that is, although they are not excuses. So I am a little burned out for one, I have a lot on my mind both consciously and unconsciously, its Nutcracker season and I am on the run, my classes are not taking off at the Studio School of Art (in my defense, a lot of different classes are not taking off). Enough said.

Of Colin: My son is a wonderful ballet dancer. All of his childhood and teen years (he is 15 now), have been spent in the dance studio. Being a male ballet dancer as a youth and teen is a difficult thing for a boy in America, but I am so proud of how he has weathered the storm thus far. You can imagine what I am talking about. He has been called some names and bullied and excluded from outside activities because of his "sport." And through this all he has held his head up and forged forward. To my point, I worry about him all the time. I can't help it. And strangely enough, I know I can't control other people and how they treat him. I do hope he does not lose sight of his goals nor lose his passion for dance. He is really good.

Of Ballet: Both Colin and Claire are in the throws of our annual Nutcracker. The rehearsal time is added onto their already very long class schedule. Claire will be dancing with her brother in the Chinese scene and she is trying to get in shape for that. Colin has been lifting weights three to four times a week for all the lifting (of dancers) he will be doing. The physical demands of this beautiful performing art are daunting. To keep Colin in food, for example, is like trying to put an elephant on a diet. He eats all the time and we have to remind him to down those protein shakes and gator aides before and after his classes. I have been doing some creative cooking to keep meals healthy but at the same time, not look so healthy (Colin hates anything green) so they get all the micro nutrients and vitamins. Oh yea, and then there is something called home work and of course sleep. When they do not get enough sleep, both are prone to injuries. Shin splints are common, especially with all the extra rehearsals. Blisters from extra time in point shoes (Claire), sometimes 6 hours or more, are also occurring more frequently. In the end, I know it will be worth it...I just don't see any light yet at the end of the tunnel.

Of a Competition: My Colin was asked to enter a local competition (in Chicago). We looked at this as a great opportunity for him in more than one way. It would serve as the first time that he would be seen by the whose who of the Chicago dance scene, it would be an "audition" experience for him, and he would meet and observe other guys dancing and at least get a feel for his talent. He began rehearsing in late June, once per week with one of his dance instructors, a variation from the ballet Don Quixote. And then in late August, a special modern piece was choreographed just for him by another dance instructor to the music The Boxer (Simon and Garfunkel). The competition was held the first weekend of October but it seems like I have been with him in this since the summer. OK so the experience got mixed reviews from both of us. First of all, he was the only male of about 27 other contestants. Next, no one really talked to us or him. Parents stayed in their little pods as did the competitors.
We had no idea where all the other dancers haled. It was very apparent that no one was going to give us the time of day. I am not sure what to make of that. Was it rudeness, was it that because it was our first time in a competition that we did not know what the etiquette was? Gosh who knows, and we probably never will know. Colin did not win anything. That is OK because I understood where the judges were coming from and what they were looking for. I am OK with that really. But what I found utterly amazing was that after the competition was over, not a single judge (and there were 5 of them) came up to Colin just simply to say hi, or come back again next year, or its nice to see a boy here, or offer any words at all of encouragement (have they all forgotten how hard it is for dance schools to recruit boys or how hard it is for boys to stay in ballet in this country). I mean come on. I just found that incredibly rude. I saw that one of the judges was on his blackberry (or whatever) and another fell asleep during some of the performances. Anyway, it seemed that all the judges knew the first pace winner though and that is who they flocked to after the competition. So am I way off base here. I am obviously biased, big time biased... but geesh. Here is what I think I took away from this all that was positive: The judges did offer their own individual comments to all of the dancers collectively at the end. What they said to them had one consistent theme and that was while there were many good technicians (Colin of course was one of those) they wanted to see a performance, passion, expression. And for what it is worth, I agree. What separated the winners from the great technicians was just that, the fire and passion, being present in their performance, smiling once and awhile...you get the idea. Its not like Colin has not been told that a thousand times, it is just does not come natural to him. He dances with his head and he's got to include his heart if he wants to take the next step. I am not sure if Colin bought all of this. He was pretty upset after the competition. Time will tell. I just hope that my experience wasn't typical for ballet competitions.

waiting for results with Claire

Art of The Land Recap, My Perspective: 9/26/10

2010-09-27T15:24:00.000-07:00

It was one of those never ending weekends...So much to do, running in circles, barely catching my breath... I don't think I could even regurgitate all here without burning out! Suffice to say I do have comments on The Art of The Land Benefit for The Land Conservancy of Mchenry Country. KUDOS to the TLC for a beautiful gallery show. I have to say it was "the" event to be at this weekend if you lived around here. Friday night was a pre sale of the art followed by story telling music and poems inspired by the land. I brought my Claire to see the exhibit as she had extra credit points she could earn for her high school art class. Yep, she had a good time. She got all dressed up, very Soho if I do say, and she knocked em all dead. Wouldn't you know that I don't have a picture of her. I am so bad at that. Then on Saturday evening was the one night gala. Since the new space opened up in the Starline Gallery, there was great room to move around. I took a few pics as you can see. And as I was basking in all that beautiful art, I started thinking about next years show. I want the papers that are in my paper packets to play a significant role in my body of work next year. Ecological Ethics in our Global Society will be the theme I will be working from (hopefully this class will be a go at The Studio School of Art). I think that this theme will fit nicely with land inspired art.

The rest of the weekend was taken up with an all day festival in Crystal Lake that my Colin and Claire were involved in. They spent time at the dance studio leading mini classes for walk ins, handing out literature, and performing. Long, long day. I also ran to the Opera House to get my tickets for this years Nutcracker, yes I said the Nutcracker. Tickets go fast around here! My Colin is the Nutcracker Prince again along with Spanish Chocolate and Chinese soloist. While Claire is Colin's partner in the Chinese dance. Sunday I picked up art from the Art of the Land Show, did 4 other errands and then cooked dinner. I don't think I sat down till 9 PM (after throwing in 4 loads of wash). Monday was a blessing!

El Valle de Paz

Found Art: 9-23-10

2010-09-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Snowscape
by Kathy LaRocco. Mixed Media and Collage on canvas board.

Today I left my little 4" x 4" collage at the Starbucks in McHenry, Illinois. I had been trying to get it out since Monday but we have had iffy weather and some deluges. I used a little duct tape to secure the plastic baggie to an outside chair (check my fan page on FaceBook and you can see the pictures) http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Artful-Musings-of-Kathy-LaRocco/134584443222432. It was gale force winds (well may I am exaggerating a little but ya know...its my art and I want someone to find it. I included a little flier for the ART OF THE LAND fundraiser along with my found art write up. I created this small piece with scraps from "Blue Moon 12/31/09." Nothing goes to waste! I am a happy camper.

Oh and I sold my first art print today on Etsy. Thank you Karen! The print was one that was inspired from my kids performances in an annual Nutcracker. Its titled "She Bowed for Clara," and Karen received number 1 in a series of 50 prints. Karen, someday, after I am dead of course, that print may be worth something (ahhh wishful thinking on my part). The second print has been uploaded to my Etsy Store. Being a mom who has teens in the ballet and who has teens that do a nutcracker every year, it is hard to find "Nutcracker gifts." Flowers were never appreciated by my children, and so that left basically really junky stuff, or really, really expensive gifts (like Nutcrackers made in Germany for 300.00). So why not a work of art, an original work of art or an art print? I don't know...just a thought. OK babbling now.

Off to feed my greyhounds. Art of the Land begins on Friday and I am so excited. More to come.
k

"Blue Moon 12/31/09"

2010-09-17T20:51:00.000-07:00

Blue Moon 12/31/09
12" x 12" mixed media and collage on cradled masonite board

Blue Moon 12/31/09

"The moon was exceptionally bright

that New Years Eve 2009.

A Blue Moon shinning through the night

12/31/09

And in the distant full moon light

a coyote howled

a tree swayed

The Moon smiled, all was right

that New Years Eve 2009."

by Kathy LaRocco

Its finished and it came from my heart. This Blue Moon so moved me last New Years Eve, that the image was burnished on my soul. The image kept calling me for months and finally at the end of August, I began the work. I don't think I ever saw a moon so bright or so big. As we drove home from our dinner, the moon followed us, as it typically does, but something was definitely different about it. Maybe it was the night air, or maybe the yipping of the coyotes that live in a preserve area just a few miles from our home, I don't know for sure. However, the coyotes were definitely affected by the moon that night. I think it was the first time I heard them bay in unison.... Definitely eerie. You can see this work at The Art of The Land Benefit gallery show.

Now its time to move on. Just as that Blue Moon stayed with me for months, so too has an image depicting the joy I feel when I watch my Colin and Claire dance. My inner voice is screaming at me to do it. So I guess I will comply. But first, there is always a first (that is why it took months to get to the Blue Moon piece) I have to prep for the Papers Packets class coming up this Monday. Lots of screening to cut.

k

Almost ready for Art of the Land: 9/16/10

2010-09-16T17:52:00.000-07:00

I wish I could say that I have been more organized, more productive, more creative these last three or so months, but I can't. I started this final piece for the Art of The Land benefit/gallery show well over a month ago and am just now drying the first coat of varnish on it. Talk about procrastination. I will put the second coat on tomorrow and then...yes it will be officially finished. I have to figure out how to scan it (my photography skill is minimal especially with the cameras we own and I have never in all my years been able to take a decent photo of one of my collages). Oh well, its the little challenges that make life interesting. So this Sunday, I drop off my art work at the historic Starline Gallery in Harvard Illinois. I participated in this show last year and no doubt posted pictures of it http://artful-musings-of-kathyl.blogspot.com/2009/10/final-thought-on-art-of-land-gallery.html. I reread that post from a year ago and indeed I have created several abstract landscapes of my memories from Santa Fe. And indeed I have a small body of work done with this benefit in mind. I guess I should go back in my archives more often, I now feel really good about what I will show next weekend. Here is the link to the benefit's information. If you are in the area, this is a wonderful show with lots of great art, music (live), nibbles, and drinks. http://conservemc.org/2010AOTL.htm

Snow scape for found art Tuesday.

While I was watching Blue Moon dry, no just kidding, after I finished the first coat of varnish, I had a ton of scraps left over in luscious blues. Out came a small 4 inch by 4 inch canvas that had a painting on it. Of course, I sanded it and began a new collage. I think it took me all of 20 minutes which is a record. The piece needs to be sealed (don't think I will varnish it) and I am putting this out into the world for Found Art Tuesday next week along with an ad for Art of the Land. I thought since the show is about art inspired from the land, why not? So all you locals, I hope to get it out there on Tuesday but that depends on the weather. I will post a photo of the location on my facebook fan page and I do hope a Facebook or blog reader will find it. But you just never know with found art.
Hopefully before Sunday I will have a scan up of my "Blue Moon 12/31/09" work. I want to make sure the varnish is good and hardened before I try scanning it. Until then...
k

PS, I need to mention what a worthwhile benefit this is. A portions of the proceeds from art sales will go directly to The Land Conservancy of Mchenry County... They are dedicated to protecting the Oak trees of this area and have been responsible for preserving over 1800 acres of McHenry COunty's wetlands, woodlands and prairies. Your $20.00 ticket gets you into the gala evening of art, food, drink and music. This is the art event you want to go to!

Transfers Class 9-10-10

2010-09-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

Prepped before class; paper removed
in class

It was a good night, she says even though the last post was my rant about transfer techniques. And while I would have loved to stop talking and laughing long enough to shoot some pics of the gals working on their transfers, the truth is, I just plain forgot. These classes are so good for my soul and I say that even though I run around the house grumbling that my life is too complicated with no time to even breathe especially 4 hours before a class. So, just how were the hours preceding my class. Here comes my justification for my grumbling:

1. 6AM wake up, brush teeth

2. dress

3 prepare three greyhounds fresh/raw meals
clean/wash bowls (raw food can't sit on those surfaces for too long
4. run around getting things ready for pre-k (my little ones needed an art project for Friday so I was chasing down a few materials)
5. 7 AM- realize that my oldest (almost 18 yr old) forgot her money for a senior picture that was due.
6. left early so I could get to her school before it started then made my way to work

7. 2.5 hours of one child crying for her mother (and she is almost 5). I got relief at 11:30

8. run two errands then back to work at 1 PM for home coming parade (yes it was homecoming yesterday and with three teens....)
9. Picked up Colin from parade and headed home. Arrived 2:40

10 headed to my studio to run in circles. Finished/prepped some samples for the evening art class and finished packing ( I have a large Sterlite container that is always half packed for class with staples that are used regardless of what I demo).

11. At 5 came out of my cave, prepped dinner (god forbid that we eat frozen). Only had three to feed but also prepped my 3 dogs raw meals.
12. Cleaned up and headed out at 5:45.
13. Hit Staples to make copies of images to use for transfer class (only just found out how many copies I needed on Thursday and had no time to get their prior to leaving last evening. However this was completely understandable since we wait until twenty four hours prior to class for late registration, I had budgeted my time very poorly).
14. Dropped Colin off at Homecoming game (my girls were who knows where)
15. Hit The Studio School of Art at 6:30
16. Helped to set up

17 Hit the ground running.

Demoed in class: soft gel matte transfer
Errol

Notice I did not eat breakfast nor lunch. What a day. But during class I could feel my blood pressure return to normal. Art is magical that way. So, above is a sample that I did prior to class and here is one that was demoed in class (I hurried through the second one). Both are soft gel matte media transfers. They are not perfect but that is the charm of the transfer. I think that my biggest joy was watching the fledgling mixed media and collage artists achieve some measure of success with the techniques shown. I made sure to demo Talbot's transfer method and give them a great book recommendation (Image Transfer Technique Workshop, 2009, by McElroy and Duncan-Wilson). I think once artists start going down this path, even though it is dangerous, frustrating, and often ambiguous, if one achieves the desired result, there is no turning back. OK now back to my own studio to finish Blue Moon!

Transfer Hocus Pocus: 9-2-10.

2010-09-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

gesso transfer in my journal.

OK, I am going to admit it. I have a love-hate relationship with transfer techniques. I remember about four years ago when I first discovered, I think it was Claudine Hellmuth, adding transfers to her earlier collages and then I saw an article in the now defunct Expressions. I can't remember who the artist was but there was an entire article on making a transfer. Since that time I have been captivated by the technique(s) trying maybe 20 different solvents or adhesives and even laser tran. Most of these methods yielded inconsistent results for me. I thought maybe a little hocus pocus might help lol. It actually drove me crazy. My learning curve included discussions with mixed media artists via the Internet. You know the ones...where to get the best Xerox copies,which shops actually had xerox machines that still use toner. Then there were the ink jet discussions: which printers were best, which archival inks were preferred, what about the paper. Why don't my transfers come out like so and so's? So how many of you, as mixed media artists, will attest to my revelation.

To continue, about three years ago, maybe 4, I took a workshop with Mr. Jonathan Talbot, and my transfers are finally recognizable www.talbot1.com/ . I subscribe to his method almost religiously now, even if I may not use his collage technique for a particular work. So, cool you say...well not really because now I have decided to teach a class in which the black art of transfer techniques is explored. Stupid on my part I think, because while I am certainly knowledgeable, other transfer methods just don't work well for me (most times unless I use some black magic hocus pocus). Sitting on my studio shelves are about 10 different adhesives like DAP clear caulk, Elmer's Glue caulk, OmniGel, soft gel matte medium, soft gel gloss, polymer medium, fluid matte medium, Diamond Glaze,and I think a few more. And then there are the solvents like Xylene, acetone, various rubber stamp cleaners (don't know what is in those), and Citra Solv. Ah yea lest we forget beeswax and assorted acrylic paints like gesso. I guess the hard part in teaching a class like this is that I really only use one method to do transfers (maybe two methods). So what do I teach. I certainly don't want folks to run out and buy all these media only to get marginal results, so I went with stuff I know that they will have on hand: soft gel matte medium and gesso and then I will wave my magic wand :) I decided that I would demo Jonathan's methodology so they can see what is involved. I remember seeing Jonathon do his transfer and I thought "It can't be that simple," but it was (I say with a huge smile). I digress. I just finished some gesso transfers as samples. They turned out OK. The soft gel matte transfer turned out OK as well but I am not a huge fan. There are variables and really most write ups suggest letting the transfer dry overnight. We are going to cheat and use heat to hurry everything along (using my trusting heat tool and an iron). So there you have it... I hope to have a good write up for this class and then I will be sure to have that magic wand with me.

On the current work in progress...No time today to get into my studio. But yesterday I made some good progress. I added to transfers which help elucidate the work and I am very close to finishing (I think). Yea.
k

The Studio Workshop Page Updated: 8-29-10

2010-08-29T12:50:00.000-07:00

Whew...I was on a roll this weekend, you know that feeling you get when you are on a roll...euphoric. Classes were hammered out with Lucy, at The Studio, I cleaned up my write ups with proper dates for classes, listed classes through November on the workshop page, finished a sample for a November class (Altered Pointe Shoes), and almost....almost finished laying out the papers for my latest piece. Once I finish laying out the pieces, I will fuse them to the substrate. I love when I can cross things off the Longgggggg list. Since a lot of the administrative computer stuff is done (she said with a huge grin), I can concentrate on getting some art done this upcoming week. Here is the pointe shoe I altered. Its on Facebook and on the Workshop page. Now I am going to take a deep breath, calm down, and start dinner.

k
P.S. I forget that everyone may not be savvy to what a pointe shoe is. This shoe is used by ballerinas for going up on their toes (on pointe). The material on the outside is satin (usually pink) and perfect for altering.

Class Outlines Completed...8-24-10

2010-08-24T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today, well today was a wash.I am getting my class room ready for our pre-k open house tomorrow and well doing some general house cleaning. Curriculum has to be prepped for the first week back (day after Labor Day) and that is what I was doing today. The director of the pre- school told me I have a 9 in my class (there is still room for one more). I am excited to meet the children. At 5, well you know how eager they are to learn (for the most part). I love introducing them to stories that they have never heard before like the Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Native American tales and so forth. I often tell the stories without a book and play act them. The kids love it. In their free time, I will see them playing Nutcracker or being a coyote etc... It won't be long now so I better get some art finished. If my computer had not crashed, I could have gone right into the school year effortlessly. But you guessed it, all of my pre-k files are gone. Sigh.....

The classes that I hope to teach at The Studio this fall and into winter are all outlined and ready to be reviewed by Lucy. I should be ready to promote these on my blog by Friday. I hope to do another Artistic Dialogues class (journal class) right off the bat in September. Plus I want to offer the collage crate class again. Making this crate will really help sharpen collage skills especially for what I have in mind for 2011. Because I am impatient, I want to give a brief preview. Let me preface this by saying: I first became aware of this project from Laura Lein-Svencner (http://lonecrowart.blogspot.com/ search on the word bundles to read her entries). She in turn read about this project from Seth Apter, a New York Artist (http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/ and search on disintegration). And now I hope to continue in the same vein. The picture below is what I am calling a paper packet. It will be assembled and then hung outside at The Studio for about 5 months after which time we will open up our packets, dry the contents, and then make art. More to follow if the class goes, if not, well I am doing this anyway. I think the concept is right up any collage artists alley! Keeping my fingers crossed.

Paper Packet prototype.

Productive Weekend: 8-22-10

2010-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

And that is just what it has been. My good art friend, Lucy, owner of The Studio in McHenry, sent me a sweet little message letting me know that the fall schedule of art classes is underway and asking if I would like to book some fall classes to teach at The Studio. Oh heck yea I would, especially since I have stopped feeling sorry for myself, picked up my self esteem, and got back to work. With that gentle nudge, I have been at my desk, both yesterday and today, flushing out classes and moving forward with ideas. I tend to multi task, not very well actually, and so I don't have any pictures just yet to show but I am working on it. Once classes are approved and scheduled I will post here (on the The Studio Classes page). I am finally motivated to get moving on class samples and finish off that 12 by 12 inch piece I started for The Art of the Land show. Finally, the found art piece, posted below, is wrapped nicely and still sitting on the kitchen table. I have not "found" the "perfect" spot to leave it yet. Sigh...

k

Studio Time, Yipee.

2010-08-18T12:20:00.000-07:00

I have a few precious weeks to myself now that the kids are back in school and I am not back to work just yet. Our pre-school starts right after Labor Day. I divided the time I set aside for productivity in two: two hours for computer work (yes still recovering from the crash), and three hours in the studio. In the studio today I developed this rhythm that moved me along further than I thought I would get. You know that feeling you get when you break through what I call the creative beginning block (of any given new work)? I was even humming along with Beach Boys. As I searched through some of my altered papers, I think I managed to find some nice textures and the right color scheme for this piece. I coated a bunch of the papers with polymer media and then altered a few more National Geographic pages. The results from the National Geographics were just what I was looking for. Now I can't wait to get them laid our on the masonite board. Tomorrow maybe.

I also found a small 4 by 4 inch canvas board with a very old work on it (from 2005). It was really, really bad. Usually I would throw something like that away but I decided that I would work with it some more. I de-collaged the piece a bit using sandpaper and then redid the facial features of the person. I left the message alone. This will be my next found art piece. It is done so I just need to figure out when and where I will leave it. So those of you in the area, be watching my face book page. Free Art soon!

k

Kelly Rae's E-Book Series

2010-08-17T11:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a little plug to a wonderful series of E-Books that Kelly Rae Roberts put together after her 5 week Class called Flying Lessons. As I was taking the classes, my computer crashed. I can't tell you how extremely frustrated I was and very saddened that I could not finish the class (I missed out on the last two sessions). Kelly published E-Books for the class and I managed to get the class done. I am so glad that I purchased her series because I now have excellent references for future business expansion. The tips she gave on web resources were invaluable to me. Some of her suggestions are out of my realm because I can't afford the time nor dollars to build my own website (for example) but many other tips were greatly appreciated. If you are the creative type and wanting to start or expand a web based business and presence, these books are wonderful. I have a link on the side if you are interested in taking a peek.
K

Another Week, Almost over!

2010-08-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

I first just wanted to welcome you wonderful new followers to my little piece of cyber space. I don't look at my statistics that often ( those types of things don't drive me anymore), but I do delight in seeing new faces on the follower list. So many of you are already accomplishes artists and that really humbles me to think that I might have something interesting to say to all of you. So welcome again!

My husband and I have been trying our best to fit in some last minute day trips with our 3 teens. School starts Monday. I hate this time of year, really I do. I hate seeing them walk out the door and get on the bus. They are that much older, that much wiser, that much more grown up. My oldest will be 18 in February! My twins, turn 16 next April. They have their own opinions, want to be as independent as possible, have their own dreams and aspirations, and are either dating or on the verge of dating. I am happy for them and sad for me. As a parent, you revel in the fact that you have raised them to be good kids and that at this age, they have not strayed from the path just yet. At the same time you also know that as the apron strings are unraveled, there are many more perils they will face, more dangerous than falling off a bike or crashing head first on in line skates, or ...well the list could go on. Sigh....

To continue, we took the kids to the museum, the Field Museum in downtown Chicago. Since I was a little girl, that museum has been my favorite. It is now my Colin's favorite (so cool). We specifically went to see Lyuba, the perfectly preserved, one month old baby Mammoth. Gosh she was beautiful. I have never been so drawn into this period of Earth's history that is until, this exhibit. Simply fascinating. Picture taking was limited however I was able to use my iPhone to snap a few. Lyuba's (meaning love in Russian) story is very well documented in a National Geographic Special and here is the link:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/waking-the-baby-mammoth-3630.
And here is the link from the Field Museum:
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/mammoths/allaboutmammoths_lyuba_1.asp

Kaitie,Claire,& Friend

Because this baby mammoth was so well preserved, they have DNA, DNA that can actually be cloned. So exciting. Who knows what may come out of this incredible find.

Baby Lyuba

We also joined in the museums 10 year anniversary celebration of Sue, the worlds most famous T-Rex. They had a sort of cheesy interactive experience with robot dinosaurs. I think it was probably more appropriate for 10 year olds but I enjoyed it.

Robo Dino

Shopping has also been a heavy part of our agenda. It is a tax holiday in Illinois (August 6-15th) and clothes and shoe supplies are state tax free. Yipee. With two teen girls, that helps the bank out quite a bit :) Today, shoes for my son and some basic wardrobe needs.

Art- I finally put out a found art piece. It felt good to let loose an "old" work for some strangers enjoyment. I have been meaning to jump back on the band wagon for sometime now but just never got around to it. I'm back baby! I am still working on a write up for a workshop, and wish I was more motivated right now. Tomorrow, my daughters want to hit the Russian Pointe Store in the city. Sigh...Art?

Found Art at Crystal Lake train station

A Week Summary 8-6-10

2010-08-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

My week has been filled with teens, period. Registering for school, annual doctor appointment, buying school supplies, transporting to drop in dance classes (August is Colin and Claire's month off, ha ha), and finally transporting for summer end sleep overs and pool parties. I have to shake my head...when does it get less hectic...when I ask myself ? I did manage to cross a few art related items off my very long list. I also was able to cross off other items that had to get done this week (ordering Kaitie's senior pictures for one) Art related items did not include studio time and I am in need of a fix. I had started two works the week before but they sit on my table. Perhaps the most rewarding art related task that I accomplished was starting a write up for a class I hope I will be able to teach. It is turning into a small thesis. I made a major dent in the write up and so I am happy. I need to get into the studio to experiment with some methods for putting this project together.

On the found art front, I began a write up for an explanation of what found art is, to be placed with a work (to be left in the community soon). I have that work for sale now on etsy, you can see it here:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/23196579/john-original-mixed-media-collage?ref=em
but I decided once the listing expires, I will leave the piece for someone to find. I will detail its location via a picture of where it has been place and a few clues and then post on face book. So those of you who follow, well if you are in the area, you have the best chance to find the work. I think it will be fun. This work is special in that the photo is from my collection, circa 1946. It is a relative (I never knew his name) and I call him John. To me he looked pretty dapper in that fedora, hence the verbage. The work is framed.

Finally, I had a really pleasant surprise today when I found out, through a tweet (thank you Rosa) that my blog is on a list for the best blogs on found art. http://www.guidetoartschools.com/tips-and-tools/found-art . I bet I can thank google for that and of course the good folks at Guide to Art Schools. I am really excited at having been recognized. It is nice when your words resonate with others.

k

"Life Lessons."

2010-07-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Colin looking at the set for "Life Lessons."

Our journey ended on Wednesday and I basically hit the ground running once again because the kids have a big performance tonight. They had dress rehearsal most of the day yesterday followed by a pas class (partnering) until 8:30 PM. Back to the movie...I spent 4 grueling days at rehearsals and the movie set. I honestly don't know how my Colin and Claire survived all this but they did and they did it beautifully. The ordeal actually lasted 5 days ( a good friend took the kids on one of the days so I could run around trying to get work permits for the kids). The first three days were very intensive rehearsals. They learned choreography for a 6 minute ballet and the choreography they needed at the ballet barre. These days lasted 6 -10 hours, not counting about 3 .5 hours in travel. The rehearsals took place in a rather small ballet studio. I met moms from all over the area as well as other states. Watching the process was fascinating. I just don't get how the kids learn the steps with this choreographer jumping all round calling out moves, changing every 2 minutes. It was nuts. Yet learn they did. The last two days we spent in Evanston Illinois where they filmed this short film. The production company rented out the famous Giordano Dance School, which in itself was worth the time. The Giordano Dancers are a well know throughout the world as a jazz/modern company. In fact my husband and I have seen them perform several times. My oldest (who came along with me) got to watch them rehearse. So the world of movies is definitely not for me. One is literally on call from 6 AM till????? One does not find out when they need you on set till maybe 12 hours before. This was perhaps the most frustrating aspect of doing this movie. When I found out that the kids had a 6AM call on Monday morning, I nearly fainted (we were up at 3 AM to get there) and so we booked a hotel and stayed in Evanston. I felt a little more in control but we were still at the directors beck and call. I met the main star who played the dance instructor Bently Stone. He actually played Scar in the Broadway production of Lion King. Way cool. Sitting on the set was hot, very hot, and although the technical stuff, like the cameras were cool, it was mainly a hurry up and wait sort of scenario. The kids found the process fascinating. Claire wants to be in the movies, Colin, not so much. He found the waiting unbearable and was glad to have his friends from the ballet school there.

So what is this movie about...Believe it or not, I am not really sure. It is set in the famed Bently Stone-Walter Camryn studios in Chicago (circa the 60's) and it is about a young girl who becomes a dancer but during her youth, really was not sure about it. It shows off how hard it was to be a dancer (ballet) back then. Apparently the film is going the route of the film festival (Cannes, Tribeca), and from there, who knows. It could be months in editing.

At the very least, my dancers have a "star" literally, on their dance resume and you never know who will see the film. Hopefully they wont wind up on the editing floor :)

"The Big News" 7-21-10

2010-07-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a good friend, I have have the confirmation I needed to be able to share our family news. I know this sounds a bit strange but I really did not want to post unless I knew this was a sure deal. About two weeks ago, both Colin and Claire auditioned for a short movie/documentary. The theme is dance, of course, and to be honest with you all, I am not sure exactly what it is about. I think, mind you I am reading between the lines, this has something to do with the history of the Stone- Camryn dance school/company that was based in Chicago in the (1941-1981). There is a fictional element with it as well as non fictional. Mrs. Svalander, the owner and director of the Judith Svalander School of Ballet (where my kids dance) use to dance at that school and knew the choreographer who also danced there. And that is about all the details. Via email last night, I obtained the rehearsal schedule (intense for three days). The filming schedule will be coming forthwith. So I will take them into Chicago and basically stay there waiting for up to 8 hours each day. We have to work out transportation details because parking is non existent in the city. The filming will take place in Evanston, which is doable in a car but it is a good 1.5 hour drive. Parking is better in Evanston. I am excited for both of them for the obvious implications (you know, being discovered by ballet company directors etc..). The film is supposed to be sold and might go the route of film festivals. And there you have it. More details will follow I am sure.

On top of my getting back to working on the computer, this should prove interesting. I will have a very hectic and busy next two weeks. Today we are going with the dance school to see Billy Elliot! Yea. My kids are so stoked! So even thought a was dealt a basket of lemons these past weeks, there was a cool glass of lemonade waiting for me with this news.

k

Art Of the Land Donation 7-18-10

2010-07-18T17:52:00.000-07:00

Life is good. We have both of our scanners back up and running. Now I just need to get our camera (s) software loaded. I will need my hubby for that. In addition to that feat, I was in the studio today and finished a donation for The Art of The Land show in September at the Starline Gallery in Harvard Illinois. The show and part of the artists proceeds go to The Land Conservancy of McHenry County. http://www.conservemc.org/. I have been inspired by the ocean as of late (my cousin had a thirty foot plus sail boat and I am following her summer, along with her husband, around the east coast of our country). I also have been inspired by water in general, waterways, rivers, lakes...you name it. So my abstract landscapes usually have a water element. Something about water is so elemental, soothing yet at the same time, powerful and potentially devastating. The title of this work is "Waterscapes 1." It is a 6 by 6 inch mixed media and collage work on masonite board. I worked from two photos of different places and sort of combined them (in my head) to a place I would love to explore. This could be by the sea or the rocky bluffs seen along Lake Michigan (upper peninsula Michigan). At any rate, I would love to vacation there for sure.

What is next...well I have an artist brochure I need to redesign because I lost it in the crash. I want to start a database in Access again. I know that won't be complete because the data for art sold is gone. Oh well. And I want to get back to the studio to achieve two things...samples for a journal class teaching transfer techniques, and I finally hope to start making some papers (actually altering papers) for a new abstract that has been floating around in my head since New Years Eve. Oh yea and then there is a bit of wonderful new, family news that I wish to share once I have details and hopefully it will actually come to pass :)

k

The Great Computer Crash of June 2010

2010-07-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

I have emerged from the depths and have begun to tread water once again. If you have not experienced a computer crash of your own, please read on for the gory details. I am now down feeling sorry for myself and my art. I am done crying, I am done being angry, I am done fretting, and I am done blaming my kids and husband for this mess. I am in the reconstruction mode and so I apologize, to myself and you dear readers, that I do not have certain software re-installed (need drivers that support vista) that support my cameras. In other words, no pictures nor scans for a while. But what we do have installed should allow me to recreate some of the many lost files that are gone forever.

So, I have asked myself a thousand times how this all happened, how did I get into my sorry state of affairs. This all started a week before the Flying Lessons class ended. I was so looking forward to that last week. We were also preparing for an overnight reunion with my dearest cousins up in Williams bay Wisconsin. My son and myself had noticed some weird sounds coming from the hard drive. The computer monitor would "blue screen" and then the computer would shut down. I was able to restart and so was my son. Our virus scans showed nothing. My husband then noticed clicking sounds coming from the hard drive. He diagnosed this as corrupt files not being able to be accessed (not necessarily due to a virus). My husband is a software engineer and was able to get the computer started yet again. The morning we were to leave for Wisconsin, the computer crashed and nothing would get it started. So my husband erased the hard drive totally wiping out everything. OK, I thought nothing of it because we did have back-up, an external hard drive, an expensive external hard drive. We left for Wisconsin, came back (had a marvelous time), and then Marc started to re install the OS, MS office etc... These programs required update, new drivers etc... and while he was downloading them, several viruses snuck in that threw off all sorts of thing. The computer crashed yet again. He cleaned up the viruses and finally got everything running it (this took him about 4 days of solid work). OK so when it was time to restore files...everything I had done since January of 2010, all my database files (Access), publisher files (for my art and my pre school classes), jpegs etc... were not there. Apparently the external drive stopped working on my user account for whatever reason (we still don't know why).

Now what? Marc tried various programs to restore the files. We could see them out there, but when we tried to open them, we were given numerous error messages that ammounted to the fact that they were corrupt. He found software that opens up Access files but it costs 200.00 and there was no guarentee that it would work. The geek squad was considered but the cost kept us from doing it. So that brings us to today. I still have not fully assessed what is lost but I discover stuf daily. I managed to get some files re built but it will take me months to even come close to building the relational database that I had for years of art work. Some jpegs are gone forever because the art work has been sold. I now am manually saving all files to the external drive plus I purchased a flash drive that I am also using for my art work.

The best news though is that I was in the studio yesterday for the first time in 3 weeks. I am working on a donation piece for The Land Conservacy fund raiser in Sept. I felt a calling and decided to work on an abstract landscape. These types of collages always give me great pleasure. I am not sure when I will have my scanners ready but once I do, I promise a scan of the work. As far as the classes I teach at the Studio, they are on hold for a while. Hopefully I can get back to it in August.

k

What is going on....6-29-10

2010-06-29T19:28:00.000-07:00

Another week is almost half done and I feel like I have been spinning my wheels. We are getting ready for a family reunion up in Williams Bay Wisconsin. It is only for one night and part of the next day. I feel like I will be there for a month. The preparation has been insane. We are cooking all of our meals and so all that food and assorted stuff has to be carried along. Bag chairs, beach bags, bug spray, sun tan lotion, charcoal, lighter fluid....you name it. Mandy, one of grey hounds, is coming with and she requires special meals. I have this fear I will forget something major. I just hope I get to visit with my cousins. I have another journaling class coming up and have not even started the art yet. Oh yeah, and this computer, the one I am typing on now, is slowly dying. We had a blue screen this AM and my soft ware engineer husband spent a goodly amount of time trying to figure out what the bleep is going on. Perfect timing, just as I am trying to finish Kelly Rae Robert's e-course! Art time...forget it. I am hoping to get into the studio this Friday.

I thought I would leave you with one of my favorite photos of my son, from Swan Lake. No visual arts today, just performing :)

A Peaceful Retreat, Journal page 6-23-10

2010-06-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

This has been another of those week in which I have not been all that inspired. The e-course is going well, family time is going well, we are very busy indeed but that's OK, I think part if it is the monsoon season we are having. One day a ton of rain, the next, a little, the next downpours and all through this are my headaches. I am learning to let go and just take the time to put cold cloths on my head and literally chill out, but I have the fact that I my productivity is 0. I really need to finish up my journal pages for class this Friday but I am so totally not motivated. At least all the textured background are done and I have actually finished 2 of the 4 pages. At the left is that hide glue background which I totally love. I really want to experiment some more. You know, playing with transfers, what can I put on top of the glue, will acrylic polymer media have a hindrance on the effect etc... Sigh, one of these days. For now, I am making this background as simple as I can because I really want the class to be successful. So here is what I did with the background.

One of my prompts this weeks theme is a peaceful retreat (from the theme places you have visited). I actually gave this some thought. One of the first things that popped into my pea brain was my experience in the Catedral de Sevilla. That was way back in 1992 but I have never forgotten the feeling I had when I first set eyes on the altar. I waded through photos I taken of the cathedral and found one of a facade. The original photo was taken in bright sunlight. I popped it into photoshop and played with the filters and what you see is what I got. One can't visit a place like that and not feel an immediate connection with our Lord (or some force more powerful than us). The cathedral was cavernous. Bigger than any cathedral, church etc...that I had ever seen. And yet, that connection that was made when I entered through the door made it feel so intimate and familiar. Even with hundreds of tourists milling around, there was a reverence and quiet that is hard to describe. The prayers I said there still ring in my soul and I am so blessed to have experienced it all.

Here is a little video I found on YouTube of the Cathedral. The quality is so so but it will give you an idea of the beauty, the grandeur, and the holiness of this monument to God.
k

New Journal Pages in progress

2010-06-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

What a weekend it has been so far. I never seem to catch a moment for my creative process addiction. I spent some precious time with my hubby and twins on Friday. It was great reconnecting with my 15 year olds. No talk about dance, no performances, no school work (obviously) just plain talking. We visited the Cuneo Museum in Vernon Hills Illinois. http://cuneomansion.org/ , this link will take you to the story of this beautiful old mansion. If you click on the media gallery, there is a 6 minute video on the history of the place. I have been to the Cuneo Mansion several times before this. The history is interesting and the art and artifacts at the mansion are beautiful but what was really gratifying to me was watching my twins expressions as they toured the grounds and inside the mansion. The place captured their imagination and I was so lucky to share it with them. We talked about art, and the historical timeline that led this family to Vernon Hills. They loved all the beautiful pieces of art that the Cuneo's amassed in their lifetime. It was so wonderful to just chat with them about this period of time. Of course afterward, we hit the shopping mall that was maybe inches from the mansion. And then my "old" twins were back talking about video games and all the stuff they were going to buy with their money from babysitting and cutting grass. Sigh.....

Today I spent the entire afternoon at my artist reception. It was pretty lackluster. I did meet two other artists who shared the gallery space with me and they seemed nice but our conservation was pretty formal. They knew each other and pretty much kept to themselves. I was in no mood to be friendly so I did not intrude. I need to vent about this event but have not decided if I want to share those ventings here. Maybe if I sleep on it....

Corrugate Texture

So the few minutes I did manage to steal for myself, I finished one journal page and have 3 in progress. I have a class coming up on the 25th and the clock is ticking down. We are going to "experiment" with a variety of stuff to add 3d dimension to our substrates (journal pages in this case). This finished page actually started out with a hefty amount of corrugate glued down. I added tissue over the corrugate for additional texture. Then I decided I hated what I had done and drew all over it. Funny how that works out. Our theme for this upcoming class is places we have visited. I have a series of prompts for written expression with one being: "a place of fun." Disney World was my place of fun, twice :). I have journaled on the spokes of the Ferris wheel.

hide glue texture

I also wanted to share this hide glue texture once again. I really love how this page turned out and I believe I know what I want to journal on this page. Can't wait to get back to it. The other two textures will include light molding paste and plain old cheese cloth. I love building texture and I do hope the class will have fun with it. Still much to do on these pages and I have to write up instructions as well. I hope I remember what I did. I always start out my creative time with the intention that I will document what I am doing as it is getting done. I even keep a pad of paper next to me. So do you think I ever follow through...ha that will be the day!

Hope you have a wonderful father's day celebration tomorrow and a creative day as well.
k

WooHoo I figured out how to make my blog button

2010-06-18T07:25:00.000-07:00

I made a promise to myself to improve my blog and work toward a more professional look. I spent 2 precious hours this AM working on this little button (see right side bar) and I am thrilled that I figured it out. Hmmm what other buttons can I make! Here is the tutorial I followed and I am so appreciative for instructions that I could actually follow! http://strategiconlinemarketing.blogspot.com/2010/06/how-to-create-grab-button-blog-box-with.html.

k

In the Sutdio 6-15, 16 and 17 2010

2010-06-17T17:44:00.000-07:00

Hide Glue texture on water color paper

These past few days I have been able to find a good chunk of each day to work in my studio. I am still cleaning the pit (guess I should post a picture sooner or later) but after my 15-30 minutes of cleaning, I hit the work bench (which is really a nice swivel chair and card table). No new works have been started but I have been setting up backgrounds for journal pages (that will translate into finished pages for my next journaling class). My Collage Crate course was cancelled...only one person signed up. I am hoping that the lack of interest was due to it being summer>vacations>family gatherings>graduation> sport events etc... I think that we will reschedule in the fall sometime. I would be lying if I said it doesn't matter to me, it does, at least some. I put a lot of time into that crate and was hoping to share it with everyone. Oh well, I am moving on. And that would be to the next journaling class. I settled on 3-d textures for experimenting with on the journal pages and our written words will be about places we have visited (I include prompts for the written part). While I do not have any finished pages, I have been playing with a variety of textures. These include using corrugate, hide glue, cheese cloth, and light molding paste. No finished pages yet but here is an example of the effect one gets with hide glue. I spent the better part of Wednesday looking for this glue and finally found it at our local Ace hardware. The folks at Home Depot had no clue what I was talking about. That is really OK because I often don't know what I am talking about! Anyway...here it is and I just love the effect. As I type this I am experimenting with a transfer followed by the addition of hide glue. I should be able to share those results tomorrow. I do know this...the paints I used for the result seen above are Golden fluid acrylics. I have no idea if it will work with other acrylics so it is up to you, the reader, to take it on if you are not a Golden user.

If you live in my area, I will be at a meet the artist reception at the Cafe Luna on Saturday the 19th from 2-4pm. I am looking forward to it.

k

Checking In 6-13-10

2010-06-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Two Swans in the dressing room. My Claire is the black swan.

I have resurfaced (no pun intended) from Swan Lake. This weekend has been unlike any other I have had in a very long time. What we witnessed was an event that in my mind was near perfection. My husband and I spent many blissful hours watching Colin and Claire perform. I have never seen my children perform so well. Maybe it is because they are just that much older...maybe it is because of their passion for dance, or maybe I have dreamt this all. I had these feelings of pride, love, joy, and hope. My head was spinning with all the images from the ballet followed by comments from complete strangers. Thank you Colin and Claire for being my inspiration, my hope for the future, the loves of my life, and my pride and joy.

On another note, I finished the bottom of the little crate that I was working on for my class this upcoming week. I have posted here and on my workshops page. This was inspired by Kelly Rae's e-course of which I am now fully two days behind! And my son also inspired this. I said to him before his first performance to just be himself and everything would be fine.

A week of Swans and Evil Magicians.

2010-06-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, my main duties this week revolve around my very talented twins. I am such a proud and boastful Mom, so please forgive me dear readers, if I gush just a little.

First, I have been keeping up, well sort of, with Kelly's class and have added some simple buttons to my blog. It is a snails pace right now, in terms of improvements, but hey I am at least moving. I did spend some time in my studio yesterday and worked more on my Collage crate. The bottom is 95% done. It will be hard to use it for its intended purpose! I hope to finish it early next week. The collage is in the "lets leave it for awhile to see what else I need to add to it or not" stage. Today and this weekend will be all about Swans. We are going to all 4 performances and that will fill our evenings and afternoons.

So here is my son Colin in his goofy wild hair and remnants of his evil makeup. He is the evil sorcerer von Rothbart in Swan Lake. This photo was taken with my iPhone late last night. I think he was pretty happy with all the fuss that was made over him. You see, my boy has his own stylist and make up artists (thanks to Tierney and Amanda and maybe some others too). In addition to his evil role (he turns a beautiful girl into a swan), he also is Prince Siegfrieds best friend and man about town, Benno. I have seen photos taken by Dan Swinson of my Colin in mid flight and it takes my breath away. Sigh...how can I think of anything else but my Colin and his twin, Claire this weekend. Claire is in an Hungarian folk dance scene and she is a black swan.

If you are in the Woodstock IL area, please come out and see this ballet. It is magnificent and so well done. The kids dance with their hearts. I haven't seen it yet of course (I will tonight) but the photos Dan has taken make it easy for me to recommend this to all.

Here is a link to Dans photo album if anyone is interested (http://www.danswinson.com/Photography/JSSB-Swan-Lake, click on the June 8th rehearsal and Colin has an entire page to himself starting on page 23, he is the 15 yr old in black tights and white shirt) and here is a link to the sotry of Swan Lake http://classicalmusic.about.com/od/balletsynopses/a/swanlakestory.htm# . Oh and here is the link to the Woodstock Opera house (just in case): http://www.woodstockoperahouse.com/navigation/home.html

OK so off to study more of Kelly Raes Flying Lessons and then I get to see my own children take Flight!

k

Reality Returns 6-8-10

2010-06-08T19:01:00.000-07:00

Already this week is a blur. I feel completely drained as I wade through the mountains of info in Kelly's incredible ecourse. I have made some improvements to my blog and thank you for the kind comments on that front. I have a way to go but at least I have made the commitment to take small steps. I think I spent about 3 hours on line today, reading, studying, changing, adsorbing... The art will wait but not to long because I will need a fix shortly.

My creative spirit was drawing me to my studio and I really wanted to go, really...However this week is dominated by everything Swan Lake. My Colin and Claire are performing. Colin has several big solo parts along with some corp parts (folk dances) and my Claire is a black swan and in the Hungarian folk dance. As a ballet mom, I wash the tights dance belts, leotards, sew the new ballet slippers and pointe shoes, provide the ice and or heat for sore muscles, help with make-up (my Colin relies on me), feed the starving dancers, pack snacks, chauffeur them back and forth and oh yes, watch every performance. Just writing all that poops me out! But you know what, I would not trade this time for anything. I am so proud of Colin and Claire. No wonder I am drained. My mind is being stretched to the max. Notice the picture...These are Claire's pointe shoes. They are a new brand for her and she loves them...I hate them. I spent 3 hours today hand sewing the ribbons and elastic on these shoes and I had to fight for every stitch. Lest you think I am incompetent, I have been sewing pointe shoes for about 8 years and I have rather enjoyed the process. These new shoes are impossible. I had to go and by a thimble (I am sewing challenged, no sewing machine either) because I could not get the darn heavy duty needle and special thread through. These shoes are made by Gaynor-Minden and are beloved by many professional dancers who probably can afford to hire someone to do their ribbons and elastic! If anyone out there has some sewing tips for these darn things, I would love to know if there is a trick that does not involve a sewing machine. And so I finished the shoes but not in time for my Claire to break them in. The nice thing about these shoes (there are many positives if you wear them) is that there is not too much time needed to break them in and she should have no problem. So it is my Colin and Claire's time to shine this week and upcoming weekend...all else takes a back seat. Sigh...

k

Of Whispers and Goals

2010-06-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish week one of Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse, "Flying Lessons." I've spent some very precious time in silence allowing ideas, random thoughts, dreams, and even visions pass through my consciousness. I took the course because even though I did not realize it at the time, I allowed myself to listen to those little whispers that pervade our heart on a regular basis. You know the ones that nudge you forward and keep nudging you until you finally realize that its time to act on them. And that is precisely what Kelly talked about early on, listening to those whispers, acknowledging your fears and then get a game plan in gear. So I promised myself that I would listen with my heart from now on because that is where my whispers originate.

As I thought about those nudges that have moved me over the years, the list was larger than I realized. I listened when my heart told me that I had done everything I could in my scientific career and now it was time to take care of my 6 year old and 4 year old twins. I left Abbott to do just that. It was really scary because our income dropped to half of what it was. I had a 6 year old with a learning disability and 4 year old twins that were not yet potty trained. I left anyway and have not looked back. I listened when my heart told me that I needed to explore my creative side. I became a demonstrator for Stampin Up and sold product and demoed rubber stamp techniques for about 6 years until I felt that nudge again. The time I spent away from home was draining myself and my family. It was too much. So I put away the inks. Something was still missing and my heart told me to continue to pursue my creative side. Out came the canvas, matte board and other substrates. Sweet bliss...I was happiest in my little studio doing my mixed media and collage. The nudges continued and I started to get my art "out there." Through Found Art Tuesday, I left pieces of art around northern Illinois and in Chicago and soon my first gallery show happened. More nudges had me entering juried competitions where I was accepted to some and not others. More nudges, more shows, small sales but sales none the less, a new blog, facebook and twitter accounts, teaching mixed media and collage art at the Studio, taking ecourses.... And then Kelly's course opportunity came along. I still had not considered art as a serious job, but that little whisper told me to take the course...TAKE THE COURSE. And so here I am, learning so much and realizing that I am the only one standing in the way of my success (as defined by me of course). What is next...well I need to acknowledge some more of my fears and begin to list practical goals. I've already determined that I don't want a full time career. I don't want to work as hard as Kelly has these past three years. I still have teens and gosh darn, I worked my tail off at Abbott, always feeling I had to prove myself even after the prestigious Scientist of the Year award, but as an artist, I would still like to feel like I have made it. What that "it" is, I still need to define but I do know what the "it" is not.

As you can see, my blog has a new feel and that is one of the goal areas I want to tackle first. The Internet has more potential than I probably will ever realize. Stay tuned...I will be working on it!

k

New Template Finally

2010-06-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

I finally made a move to brighten up my blog and I have Kelly Rae to actually thank for the gentle nudge. Blogger in draft has been available for a while now and I had indeed played with the new templates but just couldn't wrap my arms around the changes that would have to be made to the content of a two column template to a three column template. Kelly's most recent lesson is all about a blog presence on line so I decide just to do it. I was so tired of the old template and I really did not like the "free" stuff out there. Some of those templates are a little to distracting for my taste. I just wanted something that does not take away from the photos etc... So now that I have changed the look, I plan on testing it out to see how I like it. Thank you Kelly for the great class. There is a lot on absorb and it may take some time...

Meanwhile...I have to finish planning for my class on Friday.
If you like the look, please drop me a comment.

k

A couple of journal pages for class on 6-4-10

2010-05-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that these straight forward resist techniques are rather addicting. The two you see here are alcohol resist (my cousin Terry) and crayon resist ( Uncle Marcelo). I used an old gel pen on this first one on the left. It never really dried but when I sprayed it with a workable fixative, bingo, perfectly smear proof. In general I have found Sakura gelly roll pens pretty good on acrylic surfaces if those surfaces are relatively smooth, this was an off brand gel pen, which is now in the trash. If you have not already guessed, our theme has to do with relatives. In the second entry, I used good old fashioned kids crayons and talk about releasing. I felt very free and worked without any real planning. After I had the background done, I made up a relative ( a great, times 12, uncle). The text on this page was done with the pencil that I can't seem to live without...the Stabilo marks All. I love that pencil and I go through quite a few per year. These resist backgrounds are really very user friendly and all levels of artists can enjoy them. Hopefully we will have time to do two more resist techniques depending upon how fast we all work. I have a gel pen resist in mind as well as the old standby, salt resist (using watercolor paint). Hope to see you all there at the Studio in McHenry IL!

k

What is up with me?

2010-05-30T11:41:00.000-07:00

It has been far too long...With the excitement of prom finally out of the way, my kids made it through finals, Swan Lake rehearsals in full swing, an art commission that did not pan out (but I went through the planning exercise and halfway through a model of a work that would be enlarged to about 4 feet by 4.5 feet), journal entries for my class that is ongoing at the Studio (in McHenry) and well more chauffeuring, I can't find the time to reflect on my life! I need to post some images from my journal here and I really need to start thinking about my growth both as an artist and an artist that actually earns money from their art! Something that I am doing for myself right now is taking Kelly Rae Roberts ecourse intitle "Flying Lesson." I had this urge to learn more about the business of art, not from an actual business class but from a real working and successful artist, one that I have admired for many years (well 3 to be exact). So I have embarked on a vacation (if you will) from my artistic journey. While this certainly isn't exactly a departure from my artistic vision (yet to be fully described), it is simply a different path that will hopefully loop back to my original path. I have so many ideas zooming around in my head. I just wish I was more organized.

Prom 2010

2010-05-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the lovely experience of going through a prom once again, only I was on the cleaning/spending/ cooking end of it. My 17 year old went all out for this event. We spent more money on the dress, the hair, the shoes, the jewelry, the food, the tickets, the garter, the photos, and on and on. But I can say that everyone is safe and sound and there were no car accidents etc... So here she is, my beautiful baby...all grown up.

k
PS no art in a week arggggggggg

"Getting By" A donation for Breast Cancer fundraiser

2010-04-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

It is done. Totally changed her hair and made her look almost like a mom from the fifties or sixties. But really she represents all those who have suffered the pain, and anguish of breast cancer with quiet dignity. To all of you...you are angels here on earth and I truly hope that all of your real friends are there for you...now and always. Michelle...the title is Getting By. I am a huge Beatles fan and hence the lyrics. Actually...I have not heard this song in ages and then about 3 weeks ago, it was on the radio. That was the inspiration for this work. The nuts and bolts of the work include acrylics, neocolors II, found papers, confetti, and oil pastels on an 8 by 10 inch canvas board.

Next up, I have to reprint the labels/ tags for my gallery show, want to start masonite board abstract, develop the first few exercises for my art journal class, develop a class called collage crate, and develop a class for earth day of next year (more to come later and will give proper credit again for the idea).
k

Gallery Show, Cafe Luna, Crystal Lake Illinois

2010-04-26T13:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was as usual, packed to the max with running around. I did finally get to my gallery show and I snapped a few pictures. I always get a thrill when I see my work hanging on a wall other than mine! The curator, Lynn, did a wonderful job of hanging the show. There will be a little artist reception in June.

So here are a few pictures from the show. The lights were really interfering with my photography and I could not seem to correct my camera but at least I have some documentation. I hope to get back to the show this weekend to shoot some better photos with my personal camera.

In other news...my class last week at the Studio in McHenry went well. I will share pics soon. I set some concrete dates for summer classes, and I signed up for an eclass with Kelly Rae Roberts. I am soooo excited about her class. I often feel like a little lost clown fish in a pool of sharks when trying to emerge fully as a mixed media and collage artist. Her class, I hope, will help me answer questions that revolve around my art as a business. After all, I do want my work hanging somewhere other than my wall. I have found it really hard to price work and to establish an internet presence. Her course will help me along those lines. Although I do not see myself nor my art going in Kelly's direction of licensing etc...I think the info she imparts will be interesting. So bring it on Kelly...I am ready and willing to learn!

This and That: 4-22-10

2010-04-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

OK so after this 28 day challenge, I am feeling like I should be writing a little more. My show is hung (will take some pics this weekend), I am in the process of teaching a mixed media and collage class (altering papers followed by a series of three 4 by 4 works), I finished the description for an art journaling class (hoping to start in May), I have to get back to that donation I am trying to finish, I have a little demo/open house thing to attend at Lucy's "Studio that I would love to finish another collage for (May 1st), and finally I really want to start ferreting out the details for my Paper Packets program (a green experiment in weather treated papers, I need to work on that description). I am really excited about this. The idea came from Laura Lein-Svencner, a fellow mixed media and collage artist extraordinaire. Her project was called paper bundles and you can read about it on her blog (search for paper bundles, it is rather current) http://lonecrowart.blogspot.com/. Lucy and company are excited too and I think we will try to have a little gallery show after the project is done to coincide with Earth Day 2011. Be watching for details (as soon as I get them worked out).

k

Day 28: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-20T05:57:00.000-07:00

Oh I am so mad at myself, yesterday was technically day 28 of the challenge and I completely forgot to post. I am totally copping out here because I guess my mind is on overload. I got done delivering my work and unpacking it, then staging it for the curator to hang and I never stopped running after that time till about 9:00 PM. I passed out in my bed at that point! No pictures still. I just love this excuse...when I grabbed my digital camera to document my process , the battery was dead and 30 minutes was not enough time on the charger. Consequently I left home without my camera. I guess there was not much to document because Lynn hung the work after I left. I hope this weekend I will get back to the Cafe Luna in Crystal Lake to take a peak and shoot some photos. Yea me...I did it... One of the hardest things about the challenge was the documentation (both written and visual). But I think the habit of documenting is a good one. So what is on my agenda next...I have to get back to my donation piece, I teach a 3 night workshop this week and have to prep for that, and I just finished a class description for Lucy's review. I hope to guide an art journaling class session this summer. I am really excited about this because it may take me back to the journal I never finished. You know how that goes...

k

Day 27: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

Argggg. I just spent the better part of an hour trying to update my brochure. Publisher and I are always at odds. I did manage to insert one of my newer paintings and add one more gallery show to the list of exhibitions. I really need to spend more time on the darn thing because it is not current. I also gathered the works that I want in the show and got all the labels made (still need to trim them). I will spend the last day of the challenge (at least 2 hours) hanging my work (well at least helping). So there you have it. I need to get off this computer! Until tomorrow.
k

Day 26: 28 Day Challenge.

2010-04-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Again, no pictures because I am prepping for the gallery show. My creative time was spent: calling the "curator" at the Cafe where I will be exhibiting (needed some info on the labels I have to make), adding hooks and wires for hanging two more works, updating my database info on the last four of my works, and beginning the design of the labels. My database (done in Access) and I always have conversations whenever I set up my queries for reports. I have to relearn how to do that each time I have a show (which shows you that I don't have many shows). I hate this part because I really want to be doing art, not the business of art! So two more days to go. Can't believe the challenge is almost over. I have to say I really got more accomplished than I ever would have dreamed and I have Linda to thank for that :
http://rediscovering-art.blogspot.com/. All in all, I never thought that I would stick with this challenge. I am not a very disciplined person! But I am so glad that I did. I have tomorrow planned out (in between a family celebration of my twins birthdays, my husband's birthday and my FIL or Grandpa's birthday. It will be a busy afternoon but I know I can get in more computer time and then I will start packing. On Monday we hang the show and for my last day of the challenge...well it could not be more poetic. Thank you to all who have made so many comments (you know who you are).

k

Day 25: 28 Day challenge

2010-04-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

A quick post to keep me honest...I wired 2 finished works today and that was about 20 minutes worth of creativity. Does going to see the American Ballet Theater perform Swan Lake count? Then that would be 2.5 hours! Wow what a great evening we had. The performance was visually overwhelming, full of beauty and pageantry.... Sigh. Time for bed.

k

Day 24: 28 Day challenge

2010-04-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Here is "Water" all done! I am pleased with this piece. Today I will seal it (first coat of varnish). I used Neocolors II for some highlights throughout this work. Water completes my 4 Elements series. Healing Woman (AKA Cheryl Dolby: http://healingwoman.blogspot.com/) asked about the wording in this piece. The text, I should have explained, is from Seneca, in Latin, and I carried over the essay in each of the works. The Greeks, Aristotle in the 4th century b.c.e, identified the 4 fundamental elements as being fire, water, earth, and air. I thought that an essay from Seneca would be appropriate as one of the constant elements in this series. I found some very old text (1915) of essays from Virgil, Seneca, and one other philosopher, whose name escapes me. Anyway, there are two other papers that carried over into each work as well and those have no significant meaning other than I liked them and they help tie all the works together. The concept for this series came about as a class I was going to teach at The Studio. We were going to create an abstract based around ONE of the 4 elements. I completed "Fire" first as an example. Well the class did not go, being 2 days before spring break imagine was at least part of the reason, and so I decided to complete the series before this gallery show on April 19th. Its done! I can now move onto more mundane things. I really can't wait to get those things out of the way. I really am itching to get back to the breast cancer donation I am working on and I have another abstract brewing in my brain, something that has been back there since New Years Eve! OK so 4 more days in this challenge...until tomorrow.

k

Day 23: 28 Day challenge.

2010-04-14T20:09:00.000-07:00

Water

So here is the work from yesterday. I did a little transfer late last nigh and today I finished another transfer. Actually, the work is finished for all practical purposes! I just need to tack some areas down with the iron that look like they are not lying flat and seal the piece. Will post once I have the piece sealed (scheduled for tomorrow). So with 5 days left on the challenge, I have no choice but to prep for the gallery show. Activities will include getting the cradled maisonite works ready for hanging (there are about 6 of those that have to be wired), printing out the little descriptions of each work, printing out more brochures, packing, etc... I probably won't get to the piece that I am working on for a donation until mid next week and then I will work on it diligently. I do have a mixed media and collage exploration class that I have to teach next week too. There is simply never enough time!

Day 22: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

No picture because my "Water" piece is drying again. I did one little image transfer tonight and then glazed . Tomorrow I will do the second transfer and then maybe another glaze. Hopefully this will be done by Thursday! Will post the finished piece for sure but not sure if I will have time to scan what I did tonight. I am beat!
k

Day 21: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-12T20:18:00.000-07:00

Here is the beginning of my "water" piece. This was as far as I had gotten on it as of yesterday. Today I finished tacking down the rest of the papers! Yea. It is drying now so I will post tomorrow. I would like like to accomplish one of the transfers tomorrow along with a couple of glazes. Perhaps I will get further, it depends upon drying times. So not much further to go on this final element. I am doing the happy dance. If I finish by Thursday, then I will spend Friday getting four or 5 of my works reading to hang. I probably won't return to the piece that I was working on for a donation until next week. Too much to do before the show.
k

Day 20: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-11T20:02:00.000-07:00

First I need to publicly thank my friends both here and on face book for their suggestions, comments, and critiques on the piece I am working on for a donation. I can't tell you how much they mean to mean. Laura...we think alike..I have shelved my piece for a day or two and will come back to her. There is a lot I have to work through in my head first. So today I went back to my "Water" piece. And yea, I had just shy of two hours to in my little studio and made some real progress. I will have to scan my beginning on this piece tomorrow as it has a coat of polymer medium on it right now. Coating papers, selecting papers and ripping and tearing are all part of the process and so I would say 3/4 of my time in the studio was spent doing that. I still am not sure of the images that I wish to transfer but at least I have a "small" idea of where the piece will go. I am hoping to get more than 3/4 of the way done tomorrow. I actually might get this finished before the show!

k

Update, Day 19 - 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-11T06:06:00.000-07:00

Here is my "work" from yesterday evening. Boy I am not liking this after I got a good night sleep. She is at the double ugly stage! Not sure If I want the bird white, not sure if I like the background, and she needs a ton of work with artist crayons, Neocolors II. Not sure if I like her hair. Oh well, I have been doing these portraits long enough to know that if you stick with it through these ugly stages, you usually get a swan (from ugly duckling to swan is what I mean). So today I am hoping to work a little on water. That won't be until late at night again!

k

Day 19: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say that I was running all day long. I headed into my studio about 9 PM CST and lasted about 1.5 hours. Working on my donation piece made me feel happy that she is well underway. I will post a picture first thing in the AM. She is still wet. No progress on the 4th in my elements series and that is the one that has to get finished first. Argggggg.

k

Day 18: 28 Day Challenge.

2010-04-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

Zipping right along, I thought today that I was going to "fall of the wagon." I came home with a colossal headache and tummy ache. From about 1-3:30 PM I laid on the sofa. I just hate when I get these headaches because all productivity flies out the window. Regardless of the headache, I went down to my studio at about 3:30 and was able to work about hour. I managed to finished sealing/varnishing "Air," so officially it is finished. I moved onto the "Water" piece and laid down the dress pattern tissue and coated with polymer medium. I also coated a few more papers for this piece. Now I just have to decide what images I want to transfer and how many. By deciding this I will then have a feeling for a basic layout of papers. In between coating of materials, I then worked on my breast cancer donation. Here she is so far and indeed in the ugly stage. Geesh, as I finish this post, I still have a headache but realize that there are only 10 days left to this challenge and how perfect is that because on the 19th, my gallery show opens! Time has flown and there is still much to do! I would love to finish this breast cancer donation so that I could help Michelle's Pink Ribbon Angels sell raffle tickets for it!

K

Day 17: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

It was a good day today. Kaitie, my 17 year old, was riding high on the first 24 hours of having her drivers license! And I found myself OK with it...imagine that. I had an efficient 1 1/2 hours in my studio doing the following: putting the first coat of varnish on "air," priming the maisonite surface for "Water," coating some papers with polymer medium for "water," and working more on the background for the breast cancer donation piece. I also found a little blurb in our local newspaper announcing my gallery show..oh yea I am on a roll :)))) Here is where I am at on the breast cancer piece. It is in the beginning of the really ugly stage. I am sure it will get worse before better!

k

Day 16: 28 day challenge.

2010-04-07T11:49:00.000-07:00

patchwork background

Here are the two works from yesterday that I promised. The patchwork background is in the vein of Kelly Rae Roberts. I love this method of creating a quick and easy backdrop for the focal image soon to be drawn in. Today I will add some paint to the background of this and do a quick and dirty sketch for the placement of my drawing. The second work is my "Air" piece with the three transfers. The windmill was a perfect symbol, at least to me, for air. After all, air is something that the eye usually does not or can't visualize unless it is a very windy day and things are flying or windmills are turning :) I am not finished...just need to cogitate on this piece for awhile. So I am heading into my studio now and will work on the patchwork background. If I get a chance and all is dry, I will scan later but life has be scheduled up the wazoo today....Taking Kaitie for her drivers license (if it does not pour), transporting kids to dance, sewing pain in the ass pointe shoes, and making dinner...

Day 15: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-06T20:19:00.000-07:00

OMG, I am more than half way through this challenge. Never believing I could stick to it, I am so glad I decided to hop on board. I have moved further ahead on my to do list than I ever dreamed! Again, no pictures, but I promise I will have some tomorrow. I was in the studio for about 2 hours today (not continuous) and accomplished a good deal. I finished the secont coat of varnish on the landscape below and now all I have to do is sign it. It is officially done. I work more on third in my elements series, Air. I managed to "fix" that third transfer to my liking and I put one or two more glazes on it along with some artist crayon work. It is drying and so I did not want to risk scanning it just yet. I think the work is through that "ugly" stage but I want to let it sit for a day. I am thinking I want to actually take away some paint to brighten it in a few areas. Moving right along, I put down a patch work background on a 8 by 10 inch canvas board. This is in preparation for the sketch I completed the other day. For tomorrow I am hoping to start the process of making/altering some papers for my final piece in the element series, Water. The show is looming ever closer and pretty soon I will have to totally do the paper work to ready the labels /tags that describe the work with the title/cost/medium/etc...

Pulling my hair out here in Illinois

k

Day 14: 28 Day Challenge

2010-04-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Kaitie, Colin, Claire

Last day of Spring break and we spent it at a beautiful outdoor shopping mall in Oak Brook Illinois. My teens had never been there and my husband and I used to hang there many years ago. It was a great day, in the 7o's, and bulbs were just showing their blooms. We hit all of Claire's favorite stores and some new ones too. Colin was happy because he spent it with Marc at the bookstore and then he got to go to his mecca, Best Buy. We hit a sushi bar for dinner and arrived home not too long ago. For my creative work today, I had about 15 minutes and I sealed the landscape that is below so no real pictures for today. But I will leave you with my three children on Easter!