Mars - God of War

"Mars - God of War" - Digital Collage

Wandering through the streets of Rome one fine day, I happened upon this bad boy. He was locked away behind the gates of a private courtyard; which is probably a good thing, otherwise I'd have been all over him. Try as I might to get his attention, he kept his head arrogantly averted and paid me no heed. Thus, I was smitten! He's just the type of dangerous man who has proven to be many a woman's fatal flaw. After all, who could be more dangerous than Mars, the god of war? He was forever stirring up trouble and always falling in love. Yes, a very good thing he was kept behind locked gates! ;D

Soapsuds

"Soapsuds" - 10x20 - Mixed Media Collage

I like the semi-interactive quality of abstracts. The viewer brings his or her own perspective to the experience. I love it when art patrons describe to me what they see in my abstracts and, of course, I always agree with them. (Even when I haven't the slightest idea what they're talking about!)

But, with that in mind, I've signed and wired this piece so that it can be viewed either horizontally or vertically. 

Red Leaves & Copper Coins

"Red Leaves & Copper Coins" - 16x20 - Mixed Media Collage

 

This began as a floral that wasn't making me very happy. So after a coat of black gesso, it was reborn as an abstract. (You can still make out the outline of little daisies which I love!)

The Green Earth

"The Green Earth" - 12x12 - Mixed Media Collage

This poor canvas is in its third incarnation. I just haven't been very happy with the previous two images I created on it. The added layers, though, has produced a rather happy texture, which I love and I think that finally I can live with this image. Third time is a charm, right?

Denise's Scream

"Denise's Scream" - 11x14 - Mixed Media Collage

I call this piece "Denise's Scream" and she knows why. ;D

My Shiny Objects

"I Heart Buttons" - 4x4 - Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

"Silver Heart" - 4x4 - Mixed Media Collage on Canvas

A recent post by artist, Cindy Michaud, Chasing Shiny Objects made me envious of the fun she and her friends were having. I, too, love to collect shiny objects. I have vintage buttons, mercury glass hearts, dichroic glass baubles, beads, and even scraps from the floor of my husband's workshop that have caught my eye. After reading Cindy's post, I felt long overdue for a play date with my shiny objects and so I created these two little pieces using modeling paste, acrylic paints and whatever shiny objects caught my fancy at the moment.

These chunky little pieces are 4"x4" and can sit on a shelf as well as hang on a wall. Fun! Thanks, Cindy Michaud for the inspiration!

And Then There Was Magic

"Frosty Moon & Mistletoe" - photo

Early this morning, before the sun was up, I peeked outside to see moon glow through a thin veil of icy clouds. Without thinking twice, I grabbed my camera, went outside and took the moon's portrait by framing it through the tree branches next to a clump of mistletoe. Then I went back inside and posted it to Facebook, calling it "Frosty Moon & Mistletoe." 

It wasn't long after that that artist/writer, Katrina Small, noticed it and was inspired to write a poem which she then posted on her blog with my photo after first asking my permission.

“Frosty moon and mistletoe, the silent eve lies still in snow.
Across the lea, in shadows still, the sudden cry of Whippoorwill.” © Katrina Small

You can say whatever negative things you will about the social media, but moments like this are nothing less than magic.

Another Bridge Across the Arno

"Another Bridge Across the Arno" - Digital Collage

One of my favorite artists, DJ Pettitt recently posted photos from the workshop she conducted in Orvieto, Italy this year (I adore that town). DJ teaches the art of altering photos, art journaling and bookmaking; all things of great interest to me. So, needless to say, I've been drooling. I've also been inspired to dig into my own photo album of Italy and play with my own photos. Back in 2002, when I visited Italy, I was still shooting 35 mm. In 11 days, I shot 11 rolls of film (yea, you do the math) and have treasured these photographs. Many of them have served as subjects for my artwork, and I know I'm going to have fun making digital collages from them, too.

This photo, taken in Florence, is of a bridge that runs directly parallel to the famous Ponte Vecchio. Florence is enchanting and my traveling companion, Annie, and I awoke early on a Saturday morning to engage in some plein air painting while the city still slept. Our memories are just priceless!

Delphinium & Poppies

"Delphinium & Poppies" - Digital Collage

I spent a very productive day in the studio. It's time to begin new artwork for the 2012 Yellow Springs show. The catalog piece is due in one month and, of course, I want it to be my best work ever.

In addition to beginning five new canvases, I spent some time sketching ideas for the exhibit. It's in the spring and florals seem to be a very popular subject among the clientele. Since florals are really my best subject in any medium, I've decided to stick with that as my theme.

At the end of the day, I took the sketch below and combined it with one of my Bomomo images to create the digital collage above. I find this a perfect way to blow off steam at the end of the day.

"Dolles Salt Water Taffy"

"Dolles Salt Water Taffy" - Digital Collage

For years I've been wanting to make images of the local landmarks in my area and I've decided that digital collage may very well be the best approach for me. So, here is my first attempt with the beloved Dolles Salt Water Taffy on the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

"Sea Star Wreath"

"Sea Star Wreath" Digital Collage

After a two week leave of absence, I'm back in the studio and loving it. Of course, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with my "to do" list. In one column I have the things I "have to do" list and in the other I have the things I "want to do" list. I'm sure you can guess that one column is creative and the other is administrative. Fortunately, I rather enjoy doing both so it's not a big problem. I just have to remember to always keep the deadlines in sight!

In addition to the new digital collage, I also created a new section in "shop crabulous!" today entitled Low Country. If you're interested in perusing the gift items, click on the heron here: