Category Archives: Art Exchange

Still Liberating Your Art

 

Paris Perfume Shop. Deanie Houghtaling

Paris Perfume Shop. Deanie Houghtaling

The official swap ended about a week ago. I lucked out, and agreed to many extra swaps. My treasure-trove is doubling by the day.

This postcard took me back to Hans Christian Andersen, the movie with Danny Kaye. I know there was scene where ballet slippers were hanging and he was singing. I remember the movie was magical the first time I saw it. This card reminded me. Ballerinas just seem full of magic too, don’t they?

Deanie’s postcard is an over sized image. I really like how the size accentuates the fact that this is a work of art. Taken in the Marais district of Paris. Deanie wrote that she saw these from the street, and she just had to wander in. Wander in Paris… sounds dreamy doesn’t it?

“To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage” ~ Georgia O’Keeffe.

Deanie included this quote on the back of her card. Lovely acknowledgement from my (Deanie’s too!)  favorite artist. You can see more of Deanie’s wonderful photos on her Facebook page and on her blog, Wild Sands Photography. Thanks again Deanie, for sharing your view of the world with me. Just a bit of Paris, and a little glimpse of heaven.

Watercolor, 4 x 5. 2014 SMD

Watercolor, 4 x 5. 2014 S.M.D.

Here is a small study I am working on. I need to go back and rework the feet. They look a bit stick figure to me. I am really happy with how the branch came out. I worked wet on wet to vary the tones.

I have done less painting, and more digital design the past few weeks. I have several in varying stages. I will be able to share them with you soon.

Don’t forget, to peek at the lunar eclipse tonight!

Liberate Your Art Postcard #5

Postcard #5. Art by Melody Lorraine. Colored pencils.

Postcard #5. Art by Melody Lorraine. Colored pencils.

Postcard #5 is this super cute postcard is from Melody. If you look closely, you will see there is a “snowmouse” outside the window. Check out more of her work at her blog, and in her Zazzle store.

I loved learning more about Melody. We have a lot in common. She loves animals, England, Ireland, Beatrix Potter, all things small, books and old houses. She is not a “girlie” girl, would like to keep bees, and calls herself a “keeper of memories”.

"Catching Sun", Janice Darby.

“Catching Sun”, Janice Darby.

I also received two of my extra swap postcards. This is from Janice Darby, a terrific photographer. She calls it, “Catching Sun”. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? She has a lot of amazing photos on her site. Including a close up of an orange slice, and a series on a peanut loving blue bird. She is really great at capturing children too!

 

 Photo by Shelly Gross.

Photo by Shelly Gross.

 

I love this photo by Shelly. She said the “angry” bird was stalking her. Uh oh! If you love orchids, take a look at Shelly’s Flickr photostream. She also has more posted on her blog. This is the second time I have been lucky enough to swap with Shelly. 

 

 

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Thank you Melody, Janice and Shelly for sharing your wonderful art with me!

 

 

A Little Bird and a Castle

4 x 5 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold press paper.

4 x 5 watercolor on Arches 140 lb. cold press paper.

adding texture to the frame

adding texture to the frame

I worked on this yesterday, and I am painting the frame for it as well. It is a Mother’s day gift. I saw this little bird on Pinterest. The artist’s name was not included. Thought it would be good practice at staying loose. I still need more practice, but I like how this turned out.

The frame was bright gold, I thought a soft pewter would be better. I started with a base of khaki. I applied each layer lightly with a sponge, to allow the previous layers to show through. I added silver, and metallic taupe. Then I used a toothbrush to spatter some black in just a few areas for texture.

Bird in frameI know it is difficult to see in the photo. It looks great in person. I will seal it tomorrow and it will be ready to hang.

Liberate Your Art

Postcard #4 arrived. All the way from Kent, in the U.K. It is a terrific photo of the Bodiam Castle, taken by Lisa. I don’t have her last name, but she did give me her email address.

Bodiam Castle in Kent, U.K.

Bodiam Castle in Kent, U.K.

 

I  love historical British shows. Call the Midwife, Bletchley Circle, Downton Abbey. So this card is a huge treat for me. Lisa’s photo is awesome. She framed the castle with branches that are just beginning to bloom.

So glad Lisa, to meet you in the swap this year!