instagram #2016bestnine

I noticed on instagram people were posting #2016bestnine photos. I decided to give it a try. The results of the top 9 images of 2016 were interesting to see.

#2016bestnine

The project in the upper right was a small sample that I wanted to re-create in a larger format. Many missteps has occurred along the way. Rethinking this piece so it can be finished in 2017.

Happily,  I see 4 paper collages and 1 fabric collage made the top 9. I really enjoyed the process of creating collages. I'm still trying to find my own style. 

I want to thank those who have visited my blog this year. I look forward to sharing more in 2017. 

  Happy New Year!

"Sketchbook West 2017" - Pages 33 and 34

A few more pages for Las Laguna Gallery's "Sketchbook West 2017" exhibit. To learn more about this project, please click here.

Pages 33 and 34: This collage uses junk mail and security envelopes. Love the brightness of this collage, which is in contrast to the limited color palette of collages 21 to 32.

Pages 33 and 34

Side note:  I noticed that using papers for the collages is adding a lot of bulk. So much so that it's getting harder to completely close the sketchbook and add elements near the gutter. Going forward I need to think about what materials to use when working on my sketches.
 
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"Sketchbook West 2017" - Pages 21 to 32

A few more pages for Las Laguna Gallery's "Sketchbook West 2017" exhibit. To learn more about this project, please click here.

I enjoy challenging myself to create with a limited color palette. The next few pages will use red, white, black and grey colors to create collages. I'm on a quest to master collage.

Pages 21 and 22: I pulled out some construction paper scraps then marked some with paint, sharpies and pastel crayon.

 

Pages 21 and 22

Pages 23 and 24: Another collage using construction paper with some pieces marked with black and white sharpie. The white ground is marked black crayon scribbles.

Pages 23 and 24

Pages 25 and 26: I noticed other artists using painted deli papers in their collages/journals/sketchbooks. This technique intrigued me. The ground is painted grey with black and white acrylic painted deli paper scraps and red tissue paper. The acrylic paint on the deli paper seems to be flaking off. Instead of using Yes glue, next time I will use gel medium to adhere and coat the painted deli papers. This is a perfect example of testing techniques in a sketchbook.

Pages 27 and 28: This collage uses paint splattered black and white construction paper on a grey painted ground. I love the simplicity of this design.

Pages 29 and 30: I had fun playing around with different shapes for this collages. I used white, painted grey and red construction paper on painted black ground with white scribble.

Pages 31 and 32: I started to play with negative space with this collage. At this point, I felt stuck. I uploaded a photo of it into Photoshop and played around it different layouts. All of them felt overworked and forced. I realized that this collage is finished in its unfinished state.

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Holiday Cards 2017

Last year, I made one holiday card for my blog to share with everyone. This year, I decided to make a few cards for friends. My cards tend to be labor intensive so, I usually make no more than 15. Each card took about 30 minutes to make.

I like Strathmore Watercolor cards because they are heavy weight. It's a bit tough to cut into the cards as I did with my holiday cards. The cards were strong enough for gluing the bleeding tissue paper.

Here is a tutorial on how I made these cards:

I planned out the message for the cards in Photoshop. I adjusted the letters so there were areas that touched and included a border on all 4 sides. This is an important step because you want the message to be attached in more than one area to keep it intact when you cut away the excess paper. I ended up printing the message out as a mirror image then traced the reversed message to the inside of the card. I initially traced the non-mirrored message on the front of the card but it was to hard to erase any pencil lines that were left after cutting. 

After the message is cut out of the card, I glued distressed bleeding tissue paper to the inside of the message. What I mean by "distressed" is that I took pieces of bleeding tissue paper and overlapped them slightly then lightly spritz water on top. The inks in the tissue paper bleed onto other papers. This technique yields a nice distressed effect on the tissue papers. I kept the colors similar in hue for each card. I'm happy with the way the cards turned out.

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"Sketchbook West 2017" - Pages 13 to 20

I finished up a few more pages for Las Laguna Gallery's "Sketchbook West 2017" exhibit. To learn more about this project, please click here.

Pages 13 and 14: I have the paperback book "To Kill A Mockingbird" for another larger project. I was feeling a bit morbid when I create these pages. It was nice to do a bit of line drawing.

Pages 13 and 14

Pages 15 and 16: The last time I made a piece of art for my "Peel Away The Layers" series was in 2014. I have a few words to use as prompts for future pieces in this series. The words "exhale" or "exhaling" are the prompts for this piece.This sketch is very rough but I wanted to put the idea on paper. To learn more about this series, please click here.

Pages 15 and 16

Pages 17 and 18:  This sketch started out as a meditation of dots but now I get dizzy looking at it.

Pages 17 and 18

Pages 19 and 20: After creating pages 17 and 18, I wanted to create a simple, calm feeling sketch.

Pages 19 and 20

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"Sketchbook West 2017" - Pages 3 to 12

I mentioned on this blogpost here l that I'm participating in Las Laguna Gallery's "Sketchbook West 2017" exhibit. I've been working on multiple pages of this sketchbook at the same time. It's similar to the way I work on my other art projects. I usually have at least 3 projects going simultaneously.

The size of this sketchbook (3.5" x 5.5") still feels a bit limiting still to me. Hopefully, the more I work in it, the more I will become comfortable with the small size. 

Pages 3 and 4: Turquoise acrylic paint was painted on the ground with Turquoise Blue crayon scribbled on top. I painted cheap paper with black acrylic paint then tore pieces so the edges would be ragged with some white paper showing. I finished by gluing yellow tissue paper with gel medium for a transparent look.

Pages 3 and 4

Pages 5 and 6: I distressed bleeding tissue paper to get some variation of colors. Then I tore them into strips and glued to the sketchbook with gel medium. The white acrylic paint area at the bottom section was the third ground. First, I thought to leave the sketchbook paper showing as the ground. It didn't look interesting enough. Then used brown oil pastel and scribbled over the area. This made the page look messy but not in a good way. Finally, I covered the area with white acrylic paint. If you click on the image, you can see a bit of nice texture.

Pages 5 and 6

Pages 7 and 8: These pages started with a wash of Yellow Oxide acrylic paint. All the paint that I used on these pages is acrylic paint. Once that layer dried, I quickly brushed  white paint on top. After the white paint dried, I dry brushed Red Oxide into a square. Next I painted a loose circle with Burnt Umber and curved line with Cadmium Red Light Hue.

Pages 7 and 8

Pages 9 and 10: Once again, I used all acrylic paint on these pages. Light grey area has a ground of white then I dry brushed light grey on top. The dark grey area has a ground of black with dark grey paint dry brushed on top. The thick curve was made using Cadmium Red Deep Hue. This element gave a nice transparent feel to the simple design.

Pages 9 and 10

Pages 11 and 12: More distressed bleeding tissue papers were used for these pages. If I had to do it over, I would offset the orange area. 

Pages 11 and 12

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Happy Thanksgiving!

I have another blog called Graffiti Inspirations that started in 2009 where I post about art bombing. I think the current term is abandonment art. It's been quite some time since I abandoned art. Today seemed like a perfect day to restart this project as a way of giving thanks.

If you're interested in this project, please click here. You'll find out where I'm going to abandon this artwork today.

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Photo Friday

#photofriday #searchingforpeaceofmind

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Las Laguna Gallery - Sketchbook West 2017

My dear friend and amazing artist, Linda Friedman, reminded me the other day about checking Las Laguna Gallery for their call for art. The Sketchbook West 2017 exhibit caught my eye. I really want to start my sketchbook practice again. Also, knowing that I have 3 months to complete this project (submission date is February 28, 2017) was a major incentive to participate. I paid the entry fee and waiting for the 3.5" x 5.5" sketchbook to arrive.

Once the sketchbook arrived, I had to stare at it a few moments. "It's so small" I thought. Then I reminded myself that it's a sketchbook. I don't have to create an elaborate journal page or work of art. It's a tool to jot down ideas.

The paper in this sketchbook is hot press so it's very smooth and on the thin side. I was curious to see how it will hold layers of acrylic paint. Pages 1 and 2 were used to test the paper. I found that the layers of paint didn't show through to the other side. The pages did curl as I started to add more paint. After the painted dried, I wanted to add lines to give a geometric look to the design. The pencil lines were so interesting to me that I decided to just to darken the lines instead of drawing over with a pen. Then I weighed down the sketchbook with heavy books to try to flatten it before I could photograph the pages.

I'm not sure if anything will come from this sketch. It was fun to quickly put down an idea on paper.

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Photo Friday

#randysdonuts #photofriday

 

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Photo Friday

#smileyouarebeautiful #photofriday

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"Branching Out" exhibit at The Branch Gallery

I'm excited to have my artwork "Underneath" in the Surface Art Association exhibit called "Branching Out" at The Branch Gallery. 

"Underneath" 33"x42" (photo credit: Luke Bisagna)

The Branch Gallery

1031 W. Manchester Blvd. #3

Inglewood, CA 90301

310-395-3880

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday Noon-5 p.m.
Monday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The opening reception is Saturday, November 12th 3pm - 7pm.

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Photo Friday

#graffitivolvo #photofriday

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Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #25

Collage #25 - 16" x 18"

With the turmoil going on around the world, the peace symbol seems to be a much needed message. I want peace for the world and peace of mind for me.

Collage #25 is the last collage of this series for now. My art project "to do list" is growing. I'm excited to start working on new projects...some small scale and some larger scale. I'm looking forward to sharing new art in the near future.

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Photo Friday

 

 #kindnessmatters #johnmuirmiddleschool

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Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #24

I'm happy to report that I was able to paint a little each day so far this week. I painted 5 pattern papers and create Collage #24. Unfortunately, I didn't take a photo of the papers before I cut into them. 4 of the patterns I have used before but the ameba looking pattern is new. It was a fun one to create. It feels good to make time each day for art.

Collage #24 - 18" x 18"

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"Infinite Connections" video at PIQF

If you missed Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists at Mancuso's Pacific International Quilt Festival, Luke and Laura Bisagna created a fantastic video of the exhibit. Click here to see the video.

My piece titled "Infinite Possibilities" is in this exhibit and video.

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Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #23

Creating Collage #23 was a nice break from my day of non-art related tasks. I finally used the pattern in the upper right hand side. It was tough to cut into this paper because I love the whole pattern. I'm very happy with the finished collage.

Collage #23 - 18"x21"

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Photo Friday

One of my favorite places in Southern California is Brand Library & Art Gallery
in Glendale. Besides being one of the best art libraries and gallery, it has an amazing foliage. Numerous photo opportunities!

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Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #22

First of all, I'm surprised that I've been able to create 22 collages with a limited color palette. I thought for sure that only 10 would be made.  

Collage #22 uses small scraps (black with white paint) and large scraps (white with black paint that I couldn't bring myself to cut up). This design lends itself to a horizontal format. I'm happy with the final collage.

Collage #22 - 18"x14.5"

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"Infinite Connections" at PIQF

 
Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists' exhibit "Infinite Connections" is traveling to PIQF this month. I'm excited that my piece, "Infinite Possibilities" is included in this exhibit.

Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists' exhibit statement:

This exhibit is dedicated to the infinite opportunities for connections and all they bring to our lives. It allows each artist to explore the meaning of the word "infinite" and how that meaning might relate to the people and world around us.

My artist statement for "Infinite Possibilities":

This artwork has 15 separate pieces. My idea is that each piece can be rearranged so the design can change depending on how the 15 pieces are attached. Infinite possibilities for infinite connections.  

If you're in the Santa Clara area, here is the information regarding the show:

PIQF - October  13 - 16, 2016
Santa Clara Convention Center
5001 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054  

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La Galeria Gitana "Heritage & Community" exhibit

I'm excited to have my artwork titled "Renewal" exhibiting with Surface Art Association in La Galeria Gitana's "Heritage and Community". 

"Renewal" - 20"x20"

La Galeria Gitana

120 N. Maclay Ave., Ste E

San Fernando 91340 

818-898-7708

Hours: Tuesday 12pm - 6pm 

Wednesday - Saturday 12pm - 4pm 

Opening Reception: Saturday, October 15th 6pm - 8pm

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Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #21

You know the feeling when the piece is created quickly and you're happy with it? Collage #21 fits this description. It could be that I'm getting comfortable with the process of adding multiple pattern papers together into one collage. Also, I'm giving myself a break on making these collages. I'm delighted that I create a collage a week with all that I have on my plate right now. Some days I just can't work on a collage. Even for 15 minutes, which was my initial intent with these collages. I'm okay with that...now. Enjoying the process!

Collage #21 - 18"x19"

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"Infinite Connections" at Quiltfest Oasis

"Infinite Possibilities"

My piece called "Infinite Possibilities" is traveling to Palm Springs in October to be shown at Quiltfest Oasis with the Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists exhibit "Infinite Connections".

Beyond the Edge Fiber Artists' exhibit statement:

This exhibit is dedicated to the infinite opportunities for connections and all they bring to our lives. It allows each artist to explore the meaning of the word "infinite" and how that meaning might relate to the people and world around us.

My artist statement for "Infinite Possibilities":

This artwork has 15 separate pieces. My idea is that each piece can be rearranged so the design can change depending on how the 15 pieces are attached. Infinite possibilities for infinite connections.  

If you're in the Palm Springs area, here is the information regarding the show:

Quiltfest Oasis - October 6  - 8, 2016

Palm Springs Convention Center

277 North Avenida Caballeros

Palm Springs, CA

Thanks for stopping by!

Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #20

While working on Collage #20, I kept changing the orientation from horizontal to vertical and back again. I still can't decide which is more pleasing. Either way, I'm happy with the way this collage turned out. On to the next one!

Collage #20 - 19"x17" horizontal

Collage #20 - 17"x19" vertical

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Quick Painted Sketch Paper - Collage #19

I'm continuing on with this series of collages. Collage #19 is going further into the multiple design collages. As mentioned previously, it's not my normal style. Definitely, outside my comfort zone. I do like the painterly style in the designs that are the white background with the black paint strokes.

Collage #19 - 17.5"x16"

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