Helen's Art Studio
Musings of an artist who enjoys playing with several different media. Currently my focus is collage but every now and then I go to something different. My aim is to post once a week.
Saturday, November 9, 2024
A New Challenge
Sunday, October 13, 2024
A New Favorite Tool
“Outside the comfort zone is where the magic happens”
So I’ve been venturing outside my comfort zone. Among the things I’ve learned on that venture – a new favorite mark making tool – Grandpa Percy’s whisk broom
Here is an example of the marks it makes – This piece is
working outside my comfort zone. Just
playing with different tools. No way
could I make marks like that any other way.
And it feels good making them. I was only 9 months old when he died so never
knew him. However, mother always said
our lives would have been so much different had he lived. I’m thinking that was a positive because I
heard from others that he approved of her, Grandma didn’t. That whisk broom has been in my studio for
years but I’ve never used it. Now I like
to think he’s in here with me helping me find my way. Time will tell.
Here are a couple more playing with colors, stencils, sticks
and other mark making tools.
And back in the studio after a trip to Virginia I’m doing a
redo on a 16x16 cradle – this is before the do over.
I didn’t like where it was going so I sanded it all back. Once that was done it was almost all black
with spots of white so I covered it entirely with vintage papers and started
over. I had a vision of what it would be
but it had other ideas. This is where it
is now and I have no clue where it will want to go next.
I haven’t done much more in here. We spent a week in Virginia exploring and
celebrating the life of my cousin. I had mixed emotions about it – she was my
first best friend and we were buddies in spite of being total opposites. We went our separate ways as we grew older but
the friendship remained. It was the type
that even apart for many years (she was a military wife) when we saw each other
it was like we just parted a day or two ago. She had a good life so in spite of
being sad, it was a celebration. And it
was good to see her siblings and her kids and grandkids – even greats.
Now it’s time to get back to work in the studio. In addition to the WIP I'm still playing with stones and florals. I've been using different media, more exploring -- some of it outside my comfort zone. Here are a couple florals -- one with acrylic and one with oil paint sticks.
Saturday, September 21, 2024
I do Love Rocks and Stones
Rocks are nature’s reminders that even the toughest
obstacles can be overcome
Stable and vintage -- two things that draw me in. I've been a stone collector forever and have always been drawn to cobblestone walls, houses and streets. I've been doing a watercolor pebbles series for over a year and decided to try some different ways of painting them. This new series is in a concertina sketchbook so when I'm done I can see the full spread. I may or may not continue with the pebbles series using new techniques.
That really doesn't matter. For now I'm having fun exploring. Here are a couple more ,,,
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Some New Directions, Some On Going & Some Revived
"Perfectly Imperfect"
I don't remember where I read that but it was a comment about a painting they had done. I like the thought that it can apply to people as well. Yes, I am perfectly imperfect. Well, maybe not quite but close. I've neglected the blog so playing catch up. This may be a long post.
I continue to do the stones. I almost always have one going and it's a good place to sit a minute and find a few if I'm stuck somewhere else.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Morning Flowers and Tuesdays
Saturday, June 15, 2024
How Many Times Have I Written this
My nature is to flit from one thing to another. Dabble is what I seem to do best, I'm a head in the clouds kind of gal. It's fun but not very fulfilling. Focus is better and so here I am again -- focusing on CLEARING THE CLUTTER which is my excuse for not posting here for awhile. Full circle one more time.
I am still doing pebbles and some morning warmups...
...but I need to make space to do more of the experimental works that are such fun. And this time truly focus on clearing, not just finding another corner to pile things in but getting rid of stuff. I recently gave a good size box of art supplies to Momentum Center here in Grand Haven. The Center has programs for teens, a social and recreational program for individuals focusing on positive relationships, mental health, success in school, and overall well-being; and for adults with mental illness, disabilities, or addictions. It's a good organization and it will use the supplies I donated.
I'm working on a second batch of stuff -- equipment and supplies I haven't used in several years but are still in good condition, some still with the original packaging open but still holding the equipment that maybe got used once. Progress is being made. I have a clear work surface so got out something I started quite awhile ago. Time to get serious about finishing it.
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Finding the Spark
We’ve all heard
that inside each of us, is our own unique creative spark. I believe it –
sometimes. The trick is giving ourselves
the time to explore it. Exploring is something I hadn’t been doing. I get so caught up in thinking about what I
should do that I forget to take time for exploring – just explore with no
thought about making a good piece of art -- and not worrying about the clutter in my studio.