As most of you know, much of the past year has been a trying time for us, beginning with my son's traumatic injury and surgery, and culminating with the passing of my father-in-law. We've been in a process of transition and we have needed the last few weeks to just breath and let things be. Our trials have been accompanied by many blessings. For the first time in quite a while, we've allowed ourselves to begin to dream again. As I have moved into this new stage of my life, my dreams have entered a new stage as well. They have evolved from lofty ideas of huge accomplishments to realizing that it so important to just make the most of each and every day, and to spread as much kindness and love as I can in the time I have. Life is indeed for living.
Of course, one of the areas that I want to make the most of is my artistic endeavors. To that end, I will be focusing on having some new experiences this year. To begin, barring anything unforeseen, I will finally make it to art school at 51. I have enrolled in an abstract painting course for the spring semester at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. I think this will really help me to loosen up with my painting and enhance my creativity. Now I can really throw some paint around :)
I've also contacted Sandra Duran Wilson, co-author of the book, Surface Treatment Workshop. She'll be teaching a three day workshop on acrylic media in Santa Fe in August. Since we would like to return there this summer, I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to take her class. Hopefully, this will all work out.
During my hiatus from blogging this last few weeks, I have been working on a large abstract painting. I'm not ready to unveil it yet...but soon! I have begun a drawing project - a Zentangle alphabet. I've finished the first four letters.
Also, I completed a zentangle drawng. I plan to work it in colored pencil, so I haven't shaded it.
I've begun participating in a free on-line workshop at Milliande's Art Community For Women. The workshop is called CAPI - Creating Art Portfolio Ideas. The focus of the workshop is Developing And Documenting the Search For A Personal Artistic Style. One of the first things we had to do was to create six porfolios/notebooks. Each one has a different purpose. None of them have to be anything elaborate, but I saw it as the perfect opportunity to do some collage!
The first is a Pondering Journal. I used a dollar store composition book and dressed it up, front and back.
I think I like the back better.
Next, is a Gathering Portfolio. This is the place to gather all sorts of images that speak to me for one reason or another. I used a Moleskine Journal for this and the other books.
This is a Raw Sketchbook - a place to experiment with different assignments.
This is an Observational Studies book. It will be a place for sketches, doodles and drawings on assigned themes.
My Art Portfolio Toolbox will contain the various elements of my personal style as I discover them.
The first thing to go into my toolbox portfolio was a summary of my reasons for wanting to develop a personal style.
The final portfolio is called the Bottom-Of-My-Handbag folder. It's a temporary storage place for everthing that you don't have time to deal with right away :) I still need to grab a file folder to decorate.
Last weekend, I picked up the Winter 2013 issue of Somerset Art Journaling magazine.
The inspiring pages of Karen Grunberg are just a sampling of the treasure between its covers.
That's all I have for now. I hope you are well and settling into a productive new year.
Until next time,
Thanks, Annie. The last two pieces of art are by Karen Grunberg. Aren't they amazing? -Terri
Posted by: Terri Morse | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 08:38 PM
That's all!! Are you kidding?!? I'm amazed and rather blown away. I thought I'd see your gorgeous letters from flickr but the notebook covers...wow. Wow to all of it. I'm a bit confused though. Are the last two pieces of your art...or Karen's.
And...congrats on your upcoming studies and blessings for the best year you've ever had.
Posted by: annie! | Monday, January 14, 2013 at 07:42 PM