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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Playing with the templates

I've been playing with the templates, redesigning my blog.  I'm not satisfied with the look yet but now that I have an idea what is available I'll work at it. 

Sunday, May 22, 2011

A Day Of Plein Air

pleain air musk pier

It was a beautiful day Saturday and I had an opportunity to paint with a group of artists, all of us taking a workshop lead by Helen Kleczynski.  It was “The Art of Journaling” but it became a plein air session too which was fine with me.

Two friends who went with me sit on a log and sketch

IMG_0016

We spent the morning at the beach, my view above.  We broke for lunch and then went to a park near the museum where I started this little piece but didn’t finish – rain started.

plein air musk park

It’s been a very long time since I’ve done any plein air painting so when my friend, Betty Dobbie, asked me if we couldn’t set a regular time to do it this summer, I didn’t hesitate – yes let’s.  And so we will, every Tuesday starting this week.  

I didn’t learn much about painting in the workshop but I did get some ideas about  handy things to have or make for plein air painting.  Helen K’s set up worked wonderfully for her.  I may adapt it for my own use but not until I’ve been out a bit more and determine what works for me.  Here’s her set up.

 plein air set up 2

I’m looking forward to Tuesday!

Monday, May 16, 2011

Plein Air and Jewelry

church

It isn’t really a plein air piece just practice.  I am committed to doing plein air this summer.  It’s something I quit doing a few years back and I miss it.  Seems I needed a push to get going again and I got just that from a friend who has taken up painting.  She wants to learn so she asked me if we could set a time to do it on a regular basis this summer.

We’re starting a week from tomorrow.  When I saw this image on the Weekend Drawing Event (WDE) over on the wetcanvas site it seemed a good image to practice on.

I’m also working on some poured pieces but they go slowly.  So while waiting for things to dry there I made more jewelry.

The first two pieces are Steampunk, a necklace and a broach.  Both have watch parts, a cameo and part of an old bracelet.  The broach is backed with part of a doily that has been stiffened with gel medium and the necklace is backed with an old poker chip. 

steam punk angel pin steam punk angel necklace

The third piece is another necklace, this time made from a scrap of copper, part of a painting on canvas that I didn’t like so I cut it up, part of a Godiva Chocolate tin and a few beads.

copper and blue necklace

The jewelry is just for me and maybe some gifts; I’m still a rank beginner at metal jewelry so I don’t feel ready to sell any of it.  However, I do have one of the best instructors around.  I wish she would get her website going so I could point you all over there.  I am having fun doing it and may end up doing some wall pieces using the metal – fabric combination. 

I’m still dealing with computer issues; however, I am beginning to find my way around a bit easier.  Changes to the site are still in the thinking stages but changes will be coming.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Frustration

My computer is still sick; it’s frustrating and causing me to slack off on things I should be doing on it.  Love ‘em when they’re running well but when they’re not it’s hell.  Well, not exactly hell but not a good thing either.

I’m gradually figuring out how to get to programs; however, the one I use for updating my blog is one that I have trouble finding every time.  It’s not that it moves, it stays put but I seem to lose the way to get to it.  I can’t blame that on the computer, it’s my mind that isn’t working.

So where does this leave my blog?  Well, I still plan to keep it going but as long as I’m not able to post as often I’m going to spend some time thinking about the direction I want to take it.  It’s time to do some revamping to make it better for me and for readers.  I hope you’ll stay tuned.