Summer chaos

The kids have been out since the last week in May and we have not stopped since. And for crying out loud, they have not even started their dance camps! Three teens pose a challenge to the wanna be artist. I have come to the conclusion that my art will be shelved this summer except for maybe a few examples for a mixed media class I will teach. I still do not have a driver yet. Kaitie will hopefully get her license in October. Won't that be nice, maybe....

Claire decided she wanted to contribute to the main stay event with her own stick horse and here are the pics. The horse is titled "technicolor zebra." I had her use Lumiere paints which are really bright because they contain peral ex (or something like that, a mica dust). I am glad these paints got some use because they have been on my shelf for sometime.

K

ps soon I will post the 8th grade graduation pictures. I am so proud of the twins!

I think that I am fully recovered from long hours of driving, waiting, standing around, more waiting, more driving...you get the idea. The performance of this full length ballet was just totally awesome. And not just because all three of my children were in it. I know because a ballet mom had a friend attend the performance on Saturday the 16th. This friend is a retired performer for the Joffrey ballet. She said it was wonderful, very well done, even the costumes were awesome. If you want to see some of the dancers,sets, and costumes...I am going to send you to a photographers website. Dan Swinson took so many wonderful candid shots of these young performers. Just browse through some of the galleries on Coppelia 2009 and be prepared to see some gorgeous shots: http://www.danswinson.com/Photography/785269. And now I will leave you with a little video I took of my son and his partner dancing a scene from the Judith Svalander School of Ballets production of Coppelia (2009). For this kissy doll number he and his partner performed this at a local grade school for an international day celebration. The second clip, in this post, is of my son demonstrating some basic ballet moves to impress the boys in the audience. Enjoy These posts will take you to my photobucket account. For some reason I could not embed them!
k

Sea Horse Complete : 5-19-09

I finally finished my stick horse for the Main Stay Therapeutic Riding fund raiser. After a whirlwind 7 days of nothing but Coppelia, I was able to sit down, concentrate (an operative word here), and finish. Now I will let the horse sit for a day or two to set. May be I will make some minor adjustments and tack down a few more areas. As a side note, I used hot glue to adhere the seashells and fisherman's net. I know a lot of folks swear by their glue gun but I personally hate the thing. I burned myself about a dozen times and I don't like the look of it. I am not sure how "permanent" it is either. But it is a glue that will quickly adhere something, nice and thick, so I hope it will hold everything together. I just didn't know how to glue all the shells on without it taking a half of century!

What is next on the horizon...I am itching to start another piece. I want to do a series on the inexpensive Ampersand line of cradled boards. Maybe some Coppelia characters:))))

And I want to blog my comments on my children's performance in a local production of Coppelia as well.

K

Main Stay Horse of a Different Color update: 5-7-09

Did you ever start a piece and think that you are progressing but each time you look at it you find a little more that could be added, tweaked, improved. Well that is where I am with my horse. The first side is nearly complete but now that I am looking at it, I want to add more color with the Neocolor crayons and then add a fake eyelash. The second side is definitely a work in progress. If I can get the paintings done then I have to add a mane and bridle and figure out to to affix them. I guess I am too much of a perfectionist!

On a different note, I added a link to a newly discovered collage and assemblage site. The site owner found me and asked me to submit some work to their free gallery. So I am in the process of doing that now. The site is called ARTpjm and I have posted the link with English as the main language. I believe that the main site is in French. The art in the gallery is amazing. You could spend hours there oogling the work from artists all over the world. Check it out if you need inspiration. And finally,

Here is a link to the blog of Aileen. She has a giveaway going on for some beautiful ATC's, hand drawn. I love her style, very whimsical. She also is a store owner and has some interesting supplies for collage and rubber stamp art. ENJOY! http://aileensmusings.blogspot.com/search/label/Blog%20Giveaway

k

Sea Horse part 2- 4-25-09

So the next little bit of work I did on my stick horse, now dubbed "SeaHorse", was to add some fish. Sketches were done using my Generals graphite pencil (water soluble) and as you can see, I am redoing the eye (that came with the horse), ear, and nose. The little white fish are actually painted with gesso and soon they will be green. So far so good and this is a load of fun...It is nice to do something really different and donate to a cause to boot.

K

PS. Lorrie, I have not forgotten about the fixative info. While working on each mixed media collage piece I will generally use Krylon Workable Fixative. This dries pretty glossy. I have to get you the name of the final varnish/sealant I put on. It is a golden product and you dilute with a brush and brush on. It comes in glossy, matte, and satin, satin being the one I use the most. I keep forgetting to dig out the bottle for the product number!

New project : A horse of a different color

I am a sucker for good causes and when you combine a good cause with an artistic challenge, well I pretty much have no choice but to participate. We have a wonderful program here in northern Illinois that essentially involves horse therapy. The program works with disadvantaged and disabled kids or adults to help them relate in a positive and caring way to their world through the use of horse. Main Stay Therapeutic Riding Program http://www.mstrp.org/ is funded primarily by donations. So the organization is sponsoring a new fund raiser called a Horse of A different color. It is sort of like the Cows on Parade that was done in Chicago or the Trail of Painted Ponies that was done in Santa Fe New Mexico. Some beautiful resin like carousel horses are being painted by select artists. Then there are the stick horses. This is the one that I decided to get involved in. I paid for a stick horse and now I can decorate it. As I usually do, I am going to record the process. These are wooden stick horses. As you can see by my first step here, I have given a couple layers of paint and have begun to build up an ocean floor complete with a sea plant or is it see weed? Anyway. Both sides of the head will be decorated pretty close to the same. I have a lot of ideas in my head and I am really enjoying this process.

When the stick horse is finished, it will go on display in a store window that faces the historic Woodstock, IL. square. Then on June 10th there will be this huge celebration on the square. My children and their class will dance in it along with other performers. The stick horses (a select few) will be auctioned and others will be sold outright. I think the same is true of the carousel horses. It will be a magnificent site to see these painted horses all around the square. Do visit the Main Stay site just to read about the program. I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful cause

k

More to follow!

Completed Work: "On the Wings of Faith." 4-19-09

Finished!!!! YEA. I really love this piece and I am struggling with giving it up. But I made it with the fund raiser in mind and so it came from that part of my heart, specifically for that purpose. So, I give it up. I wish you could see and feel the texture on this work. I really love using tissue and napkins to build up layers. While the scan does not show it, she has a tiny bit of glitter on her wings, not a lot, just enough to hint supernatural. As far as the artist crayons and blending (asked Lorrie), I will blend them primarily with water. You can keep working them without losing pigment. But I have also blended these crayons with acrylics. After blending with water, if the color needs to be enhanced, I have then resorted to using neutral acrylics to blend. That works just fine. If you want to add other media on top of the crayons, what I do is use Krylon workable fixative to hold the crayons on the substrate and then paint over or use a media over them. Before I seal my work I will spray with the workable fixative so nothing runs as I seal it with varnish. I also use graphite and of course if you don't fix the piece before applying varnish, the graphite smears and runs. THe writing on the side of the painting says: "Live by faith-one day at a time." Now all I have to do is seal the work and it is good to go. I hope who ever wins the piece will appreciate the symbols and emotion that went into it. Lorrie, if you have any more questions on the crayons, give me a holler. You can buy them individually too if you just want to experiment.

I am sooo tired. Colin and Claire turned 14 yesterday and IT was such an action packed day and we kept on going till about 11 PM. They had a final dance/mixer at their school in the evening. After the dance, which was emotional because they will soon graduate 8th grade, the kids surrounded them and sang Happy Birthday, hence the photo. Then it was out for dinner and more celebration. Too much partying for me!

Finally, if any of you are in Palatine this Sunday, I will be in a group show at Emmetts Ale House

http://www.emmettstavern.com/contact_us/contact_us.php. Stop by and say "Hi" and have a good beer, micro brewed of course!.

k

Breast Cancer Donation step 6 4-15-09

I am about 90% done with my piece for the breast cancer fundraiser. I incorporated a single flower in her hair (thanks Kris) and started a halo. Still need to tweak background, add some text, modify wings just a tad, and maybe retouch the face. I think I finally captured this earth angel features. I was going for really delicate. Note the slight color and change of shading in her skin tones. I used a current fav, Caran d'Ache Neocolor II crayons,
http://www.dickblick.com/products/caran-dache-neocolor-ii-artists-crayons/. These crayons blend beautifully with a touch of water and appear to be more rugged or durable than the water soluble oil pastels. In other words you can achieve a beautiful blending without loosing too much of the crayon. Oil pastels can't take heavy blending (in my opinion) but I still use them. After I lay down an acrylic underpainting of the skin (face, hands etc) I then go over those tones with the crayons. I love the effect, it adds a lot of depth to the face. I am really pleased that this work is coming all together. Hopefully she will be finished by the weekend. I would love to bring her with me to a small gallery show that I am in. K

Stage 4 of Breast Cancer donation. 4-10-09

I was fortunate enough to have a precious 2 hours in my studio today. I made some progress but the face and torso look really wacky to me. This work is very different in terms of the face and the full length figure. I am use to working with larger features. Her features are so tiny but not quite right. I will be fiddling some more for sure. The skin tones need artist crayon work yet and I have more to do in the background and more work on the little bird that I added as an after thought. I added more dept to her clothes and those have shaped up nicely. Kris suggested flowers in her hair and I like that idea too. So hopefully I can hit the studio tomorrow. Although, I may be heading to the clinic for a throat swab. My throat is on fire and this cough and congestion is hanging on like a demon!

k

Breast Cancer donation Mixed media and collage work. Steps 3 and 4

I worked a little more on this piece this past week even though I am still dealing with a huge virus of some sort. You can see how I am building up layers on this earth angel's dress. I have also subdued the background with some neutral acrylics. The work is definitely in progress and I would say I will busy with it for several more "days." Note nothing more has been done on the face. I usually work the face first but she is not speaking to me just yet. I think I want to flush out more in her dress and shawl. Hair needs something... and I want to add gold leaf somewhere. You get the idea...I am lost right now. I tend to over think everything because I try to work out what the final product will look like before the first papers are glued down!
My heart will find the way eventually. I keep thinking of Cindy while I am working on this. The piece is supposed to give the message of faith and instead, all I can feel is sorrow.

k

A Cyber Toast to Miss Cindy

It has been a long sad week at the preschool where I work. I have really been out of it and not able to concentrate on much of anything. So, Kaitie, Colin, and Claire, when and if you read this entry, I hope you can maybe understand how Miss Cindy's death really affected me. As you know, she died a week ago Friday night. The accident was tragic and senseless. So many emotions came and went all week. Shock, disbelief, sorrow, sadness, and depression all mixed together in my heart. Now I am really angry now because I think Miss Cindy should have had more sense than to be in an attached trailer, asleep, on the highway, while it was raining. Blessedly she was pronounced dead at the scene and all those that were her feel that she died pretty much instantly once the trailer started to dove tail. So this past week I just trudged to work...no smile, no quirky look, no funny stories...they all went away once Miss Cindy died. A bunch of teachers and myself stopped at Fernandos, a little whole in the wall Mexican Restaurant that makes the best "Ritas" and drank a real toast to her. I did not order a "Rita" but rather a small Sangria. Miss Cindy knew that I never had one glass of any alcohol if I was driving but I made an exception this time. I do love Margaritas though...so I am toasting her right here.


Yesterday was dreadful.. I was feeling sick anyway and it was so darn cold in that Funeral Parlor. I sat there for 3 hours just starring. I think I talked some but really don't remember to who. Maybe the fact that I was running a fever had something to do with it. My immune system must have been way off. I slept little last week and with all that I do and all that I am exposed to , I suppose everything caught up with me. When it cam time for the eulogy about hours after I arrived, I finally lost it. It was when Pastor read my little email that I sent to the office at Shepherd of the Hills (where I work). I wasn't prepared and when I heard my words...I was gone. And I did not stop for the next 35 minutes. You did not really see me when you guys got home, but I was a mess...swollen eyes, a pasty face streaked with makeup, and sicker than a dog. I went to be as soon as you walked into the house and have been pretty much there ever since. When I was asked to write something about Miss Cindy, it was the hardest thing I have to do in a very long time. Here is what I wrote about the my friend and colleague:

"Although I have only worked with Cindy for a few short years, I feel so blessed to share in a small part of her life. She endeared herself to so many and I was lucky enough to be included. Cindy had such a huge personality. Just one of her smiles could change the mood in dour room. We had so many "little" talks over these last few years and I came to learn how much she adored her daughter and husband. When she talked about them her whole being glowed. She adored them. She loved anyone lucky enough to be her friend. I remember that just a few weeks ago, Miss Cindy was sharing one of her friend stories with Miss Andrea and myself. She described a recent visit she had with her woman doctor friend. When Miss Cindy talked about her friends, she always became so animated. She described her doctor friend as a very serious person...rarely taking the time to smell the roses and rarely spending anytime just having fun. So Miss Cindy drove to her home with a variety of costumes and the two of them played dress up that evening. Can you imagine two adult women playing dress up. She said her doctor friend never played dress up as a child and this was something that she liked to do with her. That story really epitomized the type of person that Miss Cindy was...a wild and free spirit who deeply cared about her family and friends.

Miss Cindy cared deeply for those close to her and it showed because she was such a good listener. Many confided in her their deepest troubles and she listened with great compassion and deep concern. She offered advice freely and was there when you needed her most. She put her faith in God first followed by family and friends.

I work three mornings a week at the preschool and I knew that whatever kind of mood I was in first thing in the morning, it would be greatly improved after receiving my morning greeting from Miss Cindy. Without fail, each morning that I worked, I would walk down the long stretch of hallway to Miss Andrea's room and see Miss Cindy sitting at the children's table in one of those little orange chairs. Upon hearing me trudging in, she would lean back in her chair, cock her hear, and say "Good Morning Miss Kathy!" and then flash one of her brilliant smiles. Thank you Miss Cindy for brightening my day.

It is so hard to make sense of all this. I know though that Miss Cindy was needed for a greater purpose. Slowly I will accept what is..for it is our Lord's will. Prayer now comforts me... The words from this Lennon/McCartney song ring in my soul:

"When I find myself in times of trouble
Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of Wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness
She is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, Let it Be,
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be."

I love you Miss Cindy and I will keep you close in my heart always.

Miss Kathy"


K

graphic taken from http://www.devilgraphics.com/pic.php?n=margarita/&b=Margarita/

A Happy Birthday, A little further a long and Spring break. 3-27-09

First, Happy Birthday Tigger... My sweet Tigger is 7 today. He is getting special treats all day long and of course my other two greys are sharing. Second..This week is spring break. With the three kids home, my hubby and I have been playing Entertainment directors. You would think that at 16 and almost 14 (the twins) that sleep would be a good thing. No, my poor under privileged children are bored. We have taken them on day trips which have included hitting the mall and that has helped some. In the same breath, I need my own personal vacation! No art work has happened all week. Yesterday we hit the Field Museum in downtown Chicago. My oldest could earn extra credit in her Spanish class (which she is getting a D in) if she visited one of the special exhibits there. We decided it would be a great learning experience for everyone and hit a very special exhibit on the Aztec culture, called the Aztec World. The exhibit had many artifacts from Tenochtitlan and it's sister city of Tlatelolco. I have been to see the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon and the Avenue of the Dead. I was there in 1978 just as archaeologists discovered one of the most important finds ever...the Templo Major. Anyway, the exhibit takes the viewer through the entire history of the great Aztec empire, from its origins, to it's demise at the hands of the Spanish. We learned about daily life, warfare, the societal structure, and religion. One of the most interesting things for me was seeing what is currently going on down in Mexico City. The excavations of the Zocalo (the major plaza, if you will, located in the heart of Mexico City) are going on in earnest. It is amazing what they have unearthed there. And I would think this excavation is a bit tricky because the National Cathedral sits over this site. Regardless, to have discovered the major religious site of the Aztecs is incredible. I hope we can see more of the unearthed treasures from the Templo Major as they are discovered. I learned more about the Aztec at this little day trip than I did when I was at the actual sites back in 1978! I took this photo at the museum. I am not sure about copyright here but I place it on my blog for educational purposes only. Please do not use it. My gut feeling is that the Field Museum would not be too happy about that.

Third...Here is what little I did on my latest (last weekend). This is simply a roughed in drawing of the figure. The background will no doubt change quite a bit as the picture evolves. Facial features are lightly sketched in. I want these features to be delicate and innocent rather than over exaggerated as some of my portraits have. Not sure if I will be successful. The face does not have to be highly detailed just suggestive. The work looks really busy right now but that will for sure change. Kids will be back in school next week but alas, I have filled my 2 days off with errands!

k

In the zone... Live by Faith

I started, yes finally, I started. It has been a great while since I stepped into my messy studio. But after slathering some gesso on an ampersand panel, I am off. Let me begin by saying that I was having a hard time with some details about this work and they were really stupid. I could not decide what substrate to use and then I was worried about how I would present it. I get so caught up in stuff that I should not have even worried about till I am done! But that is how my mind work. I have finished the collage in my brain and am trying to frame it before I even start. My original thought was to go with what I like to use the most and that is 300 lb watercolor paper....mmmm I love Arches. But I knew I did not want to donate the piece without making it ready to hang. I had the paper cut and was prepared to start when I decided to take a trip to Michaels (dangerous I know) to pick up some clear gesso and a frame for a picture of my son. Now, I love the museum board quality of anything Ampersand but those panels are very expensive. I rarely purchase them even for works that I am going to sell unless there is a big sale. But I found myself wandering in the direction of canvas panels and papers. And there they were...I had never seen the lower end line of Ampersand products. Where have I been! I bought a 6 by 12 panel mounted on a 3/4 inch cradle of some inexpensive hardwood. It took me about 30 seconds to pay and get out of the store. All I did to it when I got home was sand the sides and then apply several coats of gesso and boom...ready. Here is about 3 hours worth of work. The background is more or less established. I have the main figure to draw and then will also draw some free elements in the background...we will see how it unfolds. I absolutely love this unusual size and it is perfect for what I envision. Just hope my stored away in the brain imagine looks as good on the wood panel as it does in my brain. Yipee I am excited. I definitely have to become more aware of art materials out there....

K

Slum Dog Millionaire

My husband and I finally got a break and had an entire Saturday afternoon to ourselves last Saturday. We went to see this years big academy award winner, Slum Dog Millionaire. I heard all the hype and after watching the awards, was intrigued. How could a relative bunch of unknowns hit it so big with Slum Dog. Well, after seeing this movie, I liken it to the story of David and Goliath. David was a nobody, through his faith and quiet determination, became the King of all Israel. Slum Dog had a limited release before the awards and now has been viewed by millions. The story is so timely and poignant. It transcends, it soars, and it inspires. This "little" movie touched me, made me cry for many reasons, both happy and sad tears. There is so much poverty in the world and here it was on the screen coming to me in technicolor. Thankfully the story was so much more than making me brutally aware of the dire need in India. I fell in love with the actors, Danny Boyle, and the music. Here is the official clip of my new favorite song and if you cut and paste the link below, you will see a clip of the Pussycat Doll's new release of the same song. Enjoy and please please please, go see the movie.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzH1ApYJ7-Y

K

OWOH Thanks and an Award.

Gee it has been so long since I have posted. I have been sort of busy I guess, and not very artfully motivated. It is tax season and the last couple of days I have been getting all the paperwork in order for that lovely task. My show is still hanging at the conscious Cup (thank you Mike). No sales to report but that is the state of affairs right now. Art is not a number one must have on ordinary people's list right now. Am I bummed, not really. It has been nice to hear all the wonderful comments. I even received an inquiry from Barb of the Palantine-Inverness Art council about displaying my work at an annual show in the autumn:http://www.palatineinvernessarts.org/ . Once my show is taken down (in the next couple of weeks) I will post some originals for sale in my Etsy store. It is really hard to create more art when I have so much now. Although I guess I should be thinking in terms of my series and new venues to display the work.

On a brighter note, I received two of my prizes from the One World One Heart give away event. Thank you to Elizabeth. You can see her lovely collage here:

http://alteredbooklover.blogspot.com/2009/01/one-world-one-heart-giveaway_21.html. The collage with the key in it is the one I received. Really nice! I like Elizabeth's site. She has some wonderful "how to's" on her blog. I really appreciate those instructions because I am one of those artists who will try a technique or new medium once and then forget about it. Elizabeth's blog is loaded with a variety of techniques that are great for backgrounds and collage work. In addition, I received my second prize from the Altered Pages site: http://www.alteredpages.com/. Jackie has a variety of collage sheets that will be perfect for some of the collage that I do. I especially loved all the images of windows, doors, arches, and gates. This gift certificate (of $50.00) was offered through the Collage Contessa's blog: http://www.collagecontessa.blogspot.com/. I thank you Kris for introducing me to some awesome collage sheets!

So you would think with these wonderful prizes I would be really motivated to get my act in gear. I need to get started on another piece that I wish to donate for this years Susan Komen's Walk for the Cure. Our church group, The Pink Ribbon Angels, are gearing up for another walk. This would be my third year donating to the Cure. My friend Michelle suggested a theme of faith. I have a quote I want to work around and even a thought or two in my pea brain but I can't seem to get myself motivated. I need to finish by the end of April. I have time....

Last but not least. Through the OWOH give away, I rediscovered some "old" (sorry Lorrie) art friends. And a couple of days ago, to my pleasant surprise, Lorrie gave me an award for my blog. Lorrie's bog: http://lorrieabdo.blogspot.com/, is indeed very creative. I have been an admirer for several years. She makes the most beautiful paste papers, she teaches workshops, and her work is very different. I am honored that she would think that my blog is creative. From what I understand about this blog award, the recipient should list 7 items that inspire them and then pay it forward to other bloggers. Lorrie chose three others that make her stop and stay for a while. So my 7 inspiring items are:

1. Santa Fe: I have been there over the years maybe 8 or 9 times. After arriving home from a stay there, it would take several days before I could empty my heard of all the ideas I formed. The landscape, the mountains, the people (both Native American and city dwellers, the artifacts, the archeological sites, the air, the water, Georgia O'Keefe, the art gallery scene, Canyon Road, the smells...you get the pciture...I could go on and on. If I could, I would relocate there and die with a smile on my face.

2. Great Artists: like Frida, Pablo, Rivera, Redon, Johns, Matisse, Van Gogh, Da Vinci....are but only a few whose works have inspired me to draw again.

3. Great writers like Harper Lee, Shakespear, Jane Austen, Victor Hugo, Hemingway, Tolkien, Dickens, Burnett... If only I could use words the way these authors do. Their stories can carry you away..their prose is magical.

4. Color: Lorrie mentioned that color inspires her. I love the colors in nature. The greens and soft shades of brown. I also like contrasting or shocking color combinations, like the bright red cardinal a top a redwood roof. I saw that one last Spring...I had to look twice.

5. Music: All kinds. When I am in my studio, I listen to a variety of music from Led Zepplin, to Josh Grobin and everything in between. I love Mozart and have been on a Mozart kick having just watched (for the third time) Amadeus.

6. Dance: As my readers may remember (LOL) my children dance. My most recent series of paintings revolve around ballets that my children have performed in. I will be watching a performance and all of a sudden I will see a fairly like being that will become a new mixed media piece.

7. Other bloggers: Misty Mawn, Rosa Murillo, Linda (undaunted), Kelly Rae, and so many others whose art work and words touch my soul. I wanna be just like them. No just kidding...life would be too boring if we were all alike out there in bloggers land.

Of course, seven things that inspire me really does not cut it but this award made me stop and think for a while... I try to inhale all that surrounds me...There is so much beauty. OK for my thoughts on who I would give this award to... I am thinking Rosa Murillo http://rosamurillo.squarespace.com/rosa-murillo-journal/, Undaunted http://rediscovering-art.blogspot.com/, and a newer blog that I discovered in the OWOH give away, Cetta who lives in Kauai http://cettacheese.blogspot.com/. I love Cetta's photos. Those in themselves are inspiring. She writes well too, not to mention that there is plenty of other eye candy on her blog. I hope that covers everything...Lorrie, thank you!

K

Grosgrain: The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

Grosgrain: The Conservatory Overcoat GIVEAWAY!!!!

Wow, this is so cool. I found this link on another blog I frequent! Have a look!

k

OWOH Winner

Using : http://www.random.org/integers/ I generated that magic list of random integers. And the winner is Melanie, AKA TwinsMom. Melanie left me a very personal and heart felt message as did so many of you (see below). Thank you Melanie for participating. I will keep your aunt in my prayers and I hope she enjoys "Hope." Please visit Melanie's blog: http://88designs.blogspot.com/ . She is a digi scrapbooker an Mom of twins (3 yrs old) and an 11 year old. As many of us, she has got her hands full!


"that is truly heartwarming! My aunt is undergoing treatment for breast cancer right now. she is about halfway through her radiation treatments. she was lucky that they caught hers very early so she didn't have to go through chemo, too. she has done remarkably well. AND, I also have a set of twins. They are boy/girl twins and they are three. And a set they are!!! Please enter me in the drawing for this picture!! I would love to be able to give it to my aunt. It would have a very special meaning to her!!!" Melanie.


I will look forward to next years event and am truly grateful for discovering so many new blogs.


k

In the Classroom of Silence. Completed.

I completed this mixed media piece last week but have been so busy with the One World One Heart event that I have lost all track of time! As a last minute update...the event will culminate with the drawing for my give away as well as the other participants give aways at 11:59 PM tomorrow. So even though the event is ending for this year, I have discovered so many wonderful blogs to enrich my soul for many weeks into the future, I feel that the actual prize will keep on giving through these wonderful blogs.

A bit of history here about this work. I was asked to donate a piece to my twins school for a raffle type fund raiser. No problem... I had my same doubts (see entries below) but no problem. As I was working on this piece early in January, I received news that a good friend of our family and in particular, my husband, has pancreatic cancer. The prognosis is not good at this time. And so I wanted the work to evolve into something that reflected how I feel. I looked for quotes but found nothing that really conveyed what was in my heart. So I wrote my own using a graphite pencil:

"It is in the calm before the storm when we find ourselves, when we learn just how strong the human spirit is, when we realize in order to march forward we must enter the classroom of silence to converse with our Lord, when entrusted in His loving arms we fine peace, not peace as in the calm before the storm but peace as the calm during the storm." KL.

While these words aren't earth shattering, worthy of a Pulitzer, or even note worthy, they convey a sort of helplessness as we face a storm in our life and a realization that sooner or later we must give it up to the Lord. I have been praying day and night for our friend. Cancer is a terrible thing, any kind of cancer.... There is symbolism in the piece and I hope whoever wins it feels and sees it.

k

OWOH

I have to say that this event was a brilliant stroke by LisaSwifka (see entry below). I have discovered so many new blogs, filled with wonderful stories. I have been moved by the many comments about by own give away. So many out there have been touched by breast cancer. This disease is everywhere,. Wendy in New Zealand is a survivor. She has been cancer free for over a year! Yea way to go... Brenda (AKA Dragonlady) is a breast cancer survivor, another Brenda had a Mum and an aunt with the disease, seahagsstudio has a sister with a 3 1/12 years old and a one year old currently fighting this cancer, Mistress Girly has a friend recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Kathy has three friends with the disease, Melanie's aunt if fighting the disease, Stampgram has a friend who lost her Mom to the disease, and Carol has friends with the disease. These are just some of the comments under my OWOH give way entry on this blog. I am truly humbled and I want you all to know I have read every comment and taken them all to heart. You are all amazing. In my own world, Jean is still fighting the disease but going strong. In the autumn it will be a year since her diagnosis and we are all hoping for a good mammogram! I have just started to think about this years breast cancer fund raiser. I think with so many comments I will have plenty of inspiration.

Thank you new blog friends for your artistry and wonderful stories. I am blessed to share the Internet with so many kindred spirits. Please know that whether I "win" a give away or not, I already have won a prize...you, all of you! I will leave you with my last years donation entitled: Lean on Me

You can find the story here: http://artful-musings-of-kathyl.blogspot.com/2008/04/work-of-hope-and-love-for-michelle.html. And here: http://artful-musings-of-kathyl.blogspot.com/2008/04/lean-on-me-work-of-love.html

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One World One Heart Blog Event!

It was just today that I came across this wonderful bloggers event called One World One Heart. You can read about it here or click on the icon: http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/one_worldone_heart/2009/01/index.html. This event, which is in its third year I believe, involves a blog give away but those who participate are linked through the One World One Heart blog over 600 participants and going strong). Lisa, the woman who started this event, explains the concept and why she started it here: http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/one_worldone_heart/2009/01/from-my-heart.html. Basically the event brings a variety of bloggers from all over the world together to share their stories. The giveaway part is just icing on the cake. I thought that this was a really an awesome idea. There are so many talented people out with with a story to tell. I have a handful of blogs that I follow rigorously and I know that it will be fun to add a few more! I will definitely leave a comment on some of the wonderful blogs who are participating in the hopes I just might win a little something. Some of the give aways are beautiful. More importantly though, is the good reads I am experiencing through so many new blogs.

So here is how it works. Below is a scan of the original artwork entitled Hope. She was donated to a breast cancer fundraiser but I would like to giveaway an Art Print of this work. The print is about 5 by 7 and is centered on a 8 by 10 paper, archival, very high quality matte, and printed with archival inks. I will title and sign the print on the front. I created this piece because a good friend had been recently diagnosed with cancer. This is one of my favorite mixed media and collage pieces. The poem quoted is by Emily Dickinson, "Hope is a the thing with feathers that perches in the soul..."

What you need to do if you would like to have me send this to you, is to leave a comment on THIS post. Please include your email address or some way that I can contact you if you should win. You can post up to midnight on Feb. 11th . I will draw a winner at random on February 12th and post his or her name to my blog. That is all...Simple! Happy commenting!

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Conscious Cup Show: Jan - Feb. 2--9

I had my little artist reception on January 17th. It was not advertised so the turn out was low. I sent an email out to some of my good friends and was happy to welcome them. The pictures look wonderful on the wall. I was pleased with the installation. So far, there have been a lot of nice comments but no sales. I am not surprised. With the economy and it being right after the holidays...who has disposable cash for art? Oh well. It has been very gratifying to have people walk up to me when I am in there to ask me about the work. That is way cool. I love to interpret my pieces. So here are a few pictures from the reception. The youngster is my son Colin and the dude is my husband. I am also on the website of Conscious Cup here:

http://www.consciouscup.com/joomla/ Thanks to the Jack and Mike for the plug :)

And just a short note to make it official...I now have an Etsy shop. I thought that I would give it a go. Original art will not be put in the store till after the show. I have to say I find the environment at Etsy a bit more easy going than eBay. I really did not want to list my art there. So many of the atists that I admire have shops on Etsy...so why not?

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Classroom of Silence- More definition

Today is another cold one here in McHenry, IL. The temperature (without wind chill) this AM was -17. Yep,
-17! My kids did not have school again, yea! It was nice to allow them to really sleep in. I made a nice warm sweet bread, lemon poppy seed, for breakfast and they were able to have it warm out of the oven. All the homework was shelved and they have basically watched TV or played video games. Oh to be a kid again!

I was able to sneak in a little studio time and here is the next phase of this piece. Things are a bit more defined. I am currently working on the veil. I plan on building up the layers/folds with more tissue and then I will probably give it a wash of color. I am not exactly sure. Sometimes my portraits will speak to me as I am working. That probably sounds weird but for me anyway, it is true. This one, however, is silent. I wonder if that in itself says something?

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Classroom of Silence-working title

So...today along with my daughter Kaitie and my husband, we hung my gallery show. Naturally I forgot my camera but hopefully will rember this Saturday. I am pleased with the look.

Today was the coldest day in Illinois in about 10 years. My kids were home from school and after I hung the show, we came straight home and I buried myself in my studio. With a warm cup of coffee, my paint brushes, and music, I was content to spend three hours just collaging away. Here is the beginning of my piece that I think I will donate to my children's school for a fundraiser. I am always leery about donations because you just never know if people will bid on the work. I am not so insecure when my work is hanging in a gallery. People can choose to look at the works or choose to purchase a work. But with a fund raiser, you sort of have no choice on what you are bidding and sometimes feel like you have to bid. Maybe I am over thinking all of this but I do feel so insecure in this type of venue.

So this is a Catholic school. There are religious elements in this piece but I really want to convey a sort of inner quiet and peace one achieves through prayer. The working title is Classroom of Silence, in deference to Matthew Kelly. I am not sure exactly where I am going with the work and although I had parts of this piece in my mind before I started, the rest of it will have to come to life as I paint. The background is a patch work of papers and my children's art work. The figure is in the style of Redon (at lest I hope it is...I love Odilon. Redon, he is one of my favorite artists). I can't wait to see how this one unfolds...

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der Weihnachtstraum 1-109

Happy New Year I say as I pat myself on the back! It just feels good to have come through the Holidays. We are on the cliff looking down as we wait for the axe to fall. My husbands job maybe no more thanks to Bank of America's many acquisitions and mismanagement. OOH there are times when I just boil thinking about how the banking industry has run itself to the ground. But I digress. I finished Clara from my ballet series (forever an a day ongoing). I titled the work der Weihnachtstraum (The Christmas Dream). Since the Nutcracker takes place in a German household, the German title seemed to fit. I just really enjoyed working on this one. There was a point on the work when I had no idea where I was going and then I took a long hiatus in December. I picked up the piece again last Tuesday and just knew what to do. I love when that happens. So my little Clara was sketched from a foto of my Claire when she was about 9. The dress she is wearing is very similar to the actual costume worn in our local Nutcracker production. She will be hung along side the other Nutcracker works this Thursday.

And on another note, this Thursday begins my show at the Conscious Cup Cafe in Crystal Lake IL. http://www.consciouscup.com/joomla/. I have about 18 works to hang, 6 of which are new but continue my series work. I hope my work brightens peoples mornings. Everyone seems so depressed and very quiet. At least though, our coffee shops are still getting customers. Coffee is a hard one to give up, even with the poor economic outlook. My show will be there from 1-15 through mid February. I hope to be more diligent in keeping my blog more current (at least till the next ballet).

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Christmas Eve 2008

So here it is! Can't believe another Christmas Eve has arrived. I made this little tag for my husband and thought I would share. This tree is a collage of photos and other hand made papers. I created it this Am in between baking two pies and finishing off some Christmas present wrapping. And oh yes, my Claire and I put together my husbands present too. Whew!


And I did survive the Nutcracker. I attended 8 of the 10 performances. I never ever get tired of watching my children perform. They are artists for sure. Colin and his sister Kaitie (who is two years older than him) received standing ovations for their Russian solos. They were awesome. I had more parents of dancers (many of whom I only know by sight) came up to me to say how wonderful they were. Colin was also Fritz and I was blown away by that performance as well. And then there was his performance as a Spun Candy Cavalier. My Little boy was the talk of the town! I am so proud of him and his sisters. I might also say that he is now on a full dance scholarship. I guess they like him!

May your Christmas be blessed and your New Year prosperous. Till 2009...

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Nutcracker Push 12-1-08

I am having serious withdrawal...I can't stand that feeling of not being able to find the time to escape into my studio. I have a work I am just dying to finish. I need to feel the paint between my fingers. Poor Clara will have to wait as well as the rest of my life. I have not even had the time to check in regularly with my usual life lines on-line. Kelly Rae, Rosa, Misty, to name a few. My own blog is also suffering. Those that follow, please forgive me.

So where have these two months gone? I have been so wrapped up with my children's performances. The extra rehearsals and trying to juggle the home work agenda (theirs of course), is trying to say the least. We are at the studio or in the car going to and from the studio most of our free time. My son Colin has perhaps the the heaviest load. He has two solo parts: Fritz and the Russian and a rather large core role in a newer addition to this particular choreography. He is also understudy to the male solo role for Chinese. This means a lot of extra rehearsal time. All three of the kids have been plagued by injuries as well. Colin has had a pulled groin muscle and shin splints. Trying to get a 13 yr old boy to sit with ice packs on his

injuries is next to impossible. The girls have had similar injuries and Kaitie has been plagued by hip problems. We have been nursing them each evening trying to keep them together. Then there have been all the colds. Serious sniffles have been passed around between kids and adults for the past 8 weeks. No wonder I can't think straight. And now we are headed for the home stretch. The rehearsals will only intensify. Tech week (a term they use for rehearsing on stage at the venue and checking all the sound and lighting, begins next week. Right after school the kids will be brought to the Woodstock Opera House where they will practice until around 10 each night. Hopefully they will get their homework done. It is going to be a long couple of weeks leading up to their performances. Hopefully I will be able to post again before those performances! But I know any art will be out of the question...

Here are a few pictures of Colin and his partner Sara, doing their Chinese number.

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A Christmas Dream: part 2 10-30-08

I added a few details to the work last Tuesday. Slowly but surely my little Clara is coming to life. This is still in the rough stages but we are getting there. There is so much going on in my head right now that I want to put into this work. I think I have limited myself with the size of this (11 by 14). Maybe larger next time! I want to add at least another rat and possible a third and I want to add more to the background. Clara still needs a lot of refining but that will come in stages. I am working on 300 lb watercolor paper (arches). I love this paper. It will hold up to most of my work. I can get it super wet and saturated and it holds its shape.

On another note...I have been given a reprieve. My gallery show will not be until January (I hope). There was a mix up in scheduling. Part of me is disappointed because I do have some pieces interpreting the Nutcracker ( 3 pieces 11 by 14), Clara is one of them. The other part of me is relieved because I am living the Nutcracker with my kids through Christmas. It is very frantic getting them back and forth from rehearsals, both scheduled and unscheduled. And the homework! I hate it! There does not seem time to just enjoy the holidays. It is just one big jumble. Sigh...I need to breathe.

K

PS Happy Halloween...We are having a party here...What was I thinking?

Christmas Dream in progress...very roughed in. 10-24-08

As I work on my latest mixed media and collage painting, I thought that I would continue to document my work in progress. I actually enjoy looking at an artists work in progress because some of the layers are revealed as the creative process unfolds. The working title for this piece is "Christmas Dream." But that may change. This is very rough right now. Things are still a bit wonky (to borrow a word my friend Undaunted uses) For example: Clara's hand is off as is her arm...hopefully that can be "fixed" when I get to the crayon stage. She obviously is no where near finished. More background elements need to be added and no doubt the colors will change in the background. I also want to add more texture in Clara's dress and perhaps the background too. The picture I copied from is a photo of my Claire when she was maybe 9 years old. I drew her on a sketch pad, changing elements of her clothes. She was wearing a warm up jacket. Then I transfered my drawing using good old tracing paper. It has a resemblance. The dress Claire is wearing is the actual dress that Clara wears in the Nutcracker as performed in Woodstock, Illinois annually. I am hoping to finish her next week which will be a week before my show. I have some serious odds and ends to tie up before the show...like getting my framing supplies in order and printing out cards (title, descriptions, price, contact info) to affix under my works. I much prefer the creative process...

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In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and breast cancer victims, I finished a found art theme finally called "Have Faith." Faith is something women must have when confronted with this terrible cancer. We must have faith that a cure will be found, we must have faith that we will survive this beast, and we must have faith that God will carry us through the worst of it. For all those fighting breast cancer, have faith...there are many who are praying for you.

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She Bowed for Clara: Finished 10-14-08

As I stare at this finished work, I fell like my style is evolving again. Yes, and I think it is a good thing. I would like to say that I am growing, maturing...at least a little. My portraits are a tad more realistic and reveal more of how I am feeling. The small dragonfly was included in deference to a wonderful ballet instructior at Mrs. Svalander school. She has danced the Arabian number on and off for many years at our local venue. And we will be treated to another performance this year. I can't wait. This portrait looks nothing like her but it has her grace and elegance. The writing says: "And then a mysterious woman danced for me, so sensual and magical. When she was done, she bowed to me. She was so beautiful. "

And so it is time to move onto a new portrait. I want to interpret Clara from the Judith Svalander production of the annual Nutcracker. I want to use my own Claire as a model. I found an old photo of her dressed as a party child from the opening act. She is maybe 8 or 9. The original Clara from the E.T.A. Hoffman's book "The Nutcracker and Mouse King," was quite young...12 or 13: http://www.nutcrackerballet.net/html/nutcracker_story.html. I so love this profile of Claire so I think I will enjoy sketching it. I am hoping one day she will be Clara in the annual production. This is one way to will that. The piece is starting to come together in my brain. I want to get into Clara's dreams...experience how frightening the mice were, experience the magic of the Christmas Eve party and the mystery of Uncle Drosselmyer. I hope I can convey that in paint. I also want to add some of the magic I feel every time I go to the Nutcracker. I would say I have been to my share over 12 years!

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Found Art Tuesday 10-6-08: La Virgen

As I work on my larger pieces, I tend to get a little antsy waiting for things to dry. My studio always looks like a hurricane (category 5) hit it and so I will often pick up pieces of this and that and try to assemble them into quick ATCs (artists trading cards). These are often found art Tuesday items. It is really a good exercise because I give myself different challenges. This one was timed... five minutes to be exact. Sometimes the challenges have to do with color schemes, themes, drawing, etc... The humble ATC is a good venue for experiments and my goofy self imposed challenges. I left this one at a local coffee haunt. I think I will do something along Halloween or Dia de los muertes next.

And I just noticed a new widget or gadget on this blog. We can become followers of our favorite blogs. So cool. I was surprised to see that I had a follower. Thank you UNDAUNTED! Now I have to figure out how I can follow my favorites.

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Nutcracker Mixed Media work: Arabian interpretation

I have a little over three weeks before I hang my next show. I was so hoping to finish two more new paintings. Unfortunately I spent most of my September "art" time working on a couple of logos and some volunteer work for our local library. Now it is crunch time. I really wanted to do a few more Nutcracker pieces as companions to my Snow Queen. I just started my interpretation of the Arabian piece from the ballet. This dance is very sensual and has an aire of mystery associated with it. The soloist is very self assured and alluring. I love the feel of this dance and have always wanted to pour my own creativity into a mixed media piece. Here she is in her humble beginnings. I have maybe 6 more working hours on her and then I think she will be ready to "clean up."

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A First for Me.

I am most humbled by this thoughtful award. Sometimes when we are feeling sorry for ourselves, or "unloved, undiscovered, unwanted, un...", you get the drift, someone comes along to make your day, week, month, year..... I want to thank Linda for making my day and I am sure my week too. I am grateful that you read my blog and make comments of the nature that keep me going. And what is really so neat is that I can say I have a friend that lives in the United Kingdom. The power of the Internet has not ceased to amaze me. So anyway, there are some rules that apply when you receive an Internet award like this. First though, I will share what Linda (AKA Undaunted, http://rediscovering-art.blogspot.com/) said about this little spot on the cyberspace highway:

Kathy LaRocco is also a mixed media artist who paints and uses collage. Again, I can't help wondering how she even comes up with her ideas. Apart from producing work that is absolutely beautiful, I admire Kathy for stretching herself beyond her comfort zone and trying new techniques.

You know what, not even my children admire me! Now for the rules:

1) Choose 7 favorite blogs and…
2) Put the logo on your blog
3) Link the person you received your award from
4) Nominate at least 7 other blogs (didn't we already do that?)
5) Put links of those blogs on yours
6) Leave a message on the blogs of the ones you’ve nominated

I do have quite a few blogs that I try to keep up with for sanity's sake. Linda's and Rosa's have already won this award. So I am not sure, but my guess would be that it would be redundant to nominate them again. I enjoy these ladies art and words so much...Thank you for both being such an inspiration. Here are my nominations:

1.Kelly Rae
Kelly's words just soar. Not only do I look to her as a "mentor" but her sage advice and tenderness are so rare. Her art is definitely buried deep within her and she draws from her memories and experiences with so much strength. I think she would never admit to that because she is a very humble and appreciative artist, but never-the-less, she is stronger than she gives herself credit for. Please visit her site. You will not be disappointed.. Also, check out her new book. I absolutely loved it..... Taking Flight


2. Misty Mawn
Aside from Rosa's blog, Misty Mawn's was the first bog that I read with any amount of regularity. Her art reflects her soul. She is that good. She is a wonderful photographer as well. I so enjoy seeing pictures of her home in Virginia and pictures of her children. Because she feels with such depth, her writing ring true in the same vein as Kelly Rae's. But it is so unfair to even begin to compare these two wonderful artists. I just know that in Misty, I find some of myself. She too is a mentor. I treasure the articles she has written for both Somerset Studio and Cloth, Paper, Scissors. They are mini classes. I treasure her descriptions of all the wonderful encounters she has had as a guest teacher on her many art retreats . One of my greatest dreams is to be able to study with her, just once.....


3. Zorana
I discovered Zorana's blog after reading Artful Blogging (Somerset Studio). Her work is lovely and I enjoy reading about those little things that a working artists contends with. I can relate to her posts about her teen daughter and collage bound son. And well, I just plain love her use of color and form.

4. dj pettitt
dj is so well known in the mixed media world. Her classes are always well attended (so I hear, I have never taken a class with her). I have been a fan of her work for years. Her pro traits are so full of life and emotion. Her work with fabric is almost legendary. By reading her blog and getting a glimpse into her world, I have realized she is a regular person. She loves dogs and just went through the loss a her beloved companion. She only recently brought home a puppy and I swear her little Tulla Girl is just about the most adorable puppy that I have ever seen (and I have seen a ton of puppies). I will enjoy watching her little puppy grow up. Gosh I love dogs!

5. Kari
I have been a cyber space friend of Kari's for several years now. We met each other in a deco swap group run by Lisa Vollrath. The group is now defunct but I learned so many mixed media techniques by communicating with the artists from this group. Kari's blog is all about her "daily" painting exploits. She is primarily a watercolor artist who also explores the mixed media world. I enjoy reading about her thoughts as she completes a work. And her water colors are absolutely stunning. I look at them and shake my head. How the "hell" does she do that?

6. Paulette Insall
Paulette's blog was mentioned on another site (I wish I could remember where). I love her portraits and when I discovered that she teaches on line classes, I signed up as soon as I got payed (from my day job). She has a small son and as with these other artists, I really enjoy reading about her human side. The side that is a mother and is vulnerable. Her art work is taking off and she is becoming a presence on the Internet.

7. Claudine Hellmuth
Besides being an internationally known and loved collage artist, inventor of sorts, and all around cool person, Claudine's blog is just so happy. You can feel her smiles and her positive attitude. Of course she does write about sad things that happen in her life but for the most part, her blog exudes happiness. From her books and DVD tutorials, I have learned so many interesting techniques. And she keeps them coming through her blog.

And there you have...some personal favorites of mine. These ladies have inspired in ways that I can't put into words. I feel that my art is coming alive through them...even though they basically don't know I exist. It really doesn't matter though...I am just so lucky that blogging allows us to peer into the hearts and souls of so many wonderful artists.

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Catching up with Found Art 9-19-08

I have been so out of sorts lately. Maybe it is because my fifteen year old has a new "friend" and will be going to homecoming, maybe it is because her grades are dismal, maybe it is because I have taken yet another volunteer role, this time for the public library, maybe it is because I have been uninspired to do any art and I have a show looming ahead (Nov. 1). I don't know.. maybe it is just me. Well yesterday I basically said to hell with it all and went down into my studio to start a new work. This one is inspired by the Arabian dance from the Nutcracker. I found all sorts of watercolor paper scraps on my table and completed this bookmark collage based on my state of mind. I am thinking I will leave it in our library because we are there so often. While I have not been doing Rosa's themes of late, I have been doing my own thing continuing in the found art tradition. I find it relaxing. These little pieces are so quick and satisfying. I just wish whoever finds these gems would at least leave a comment on my blog like I found it...thanks. Since 2006 I have been leaving little gems all over McHenry county and only once did I receive a comment! That resulted in my first ever gallery show. I guess I should just realize that the average person just does not get it.

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Una Sonrisa, a finished work: 9-4-08

My portrait of Claire is finally done. I am pleased with the finality of it! I think the process of giving a finished piece of art a title is rather interesting. I generally have nothing in mind as far as a title goes and will often give my work in progress a working title. This work sat around my studio and then my family room for a month and finally it dawned on me that one of the defining features of my daughter is her smile, hence the title which means smile in Spanish. I chose the Spanish translation of smile because I think it is such a beautiful word. Sonrisa evokes a happiness in me and that is what Claire does. My Claire is very intelligent and quick witted. I love her quips and she can crack up just about everyone. But when she smiles, she lights up my world. I also found a quote about smiling (I just googled the word smile and came up with a dozen or so quote sights) and the handwriting on the wall ( a pun is intended here) says: "If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will benefit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work." I did write in who the quote is attributed to but can't read the name which is rather long. This closes the book on the class I took on line from Paulette Insall. It is time to move onto the next project (an abstract collage for my mixed media class).

K