I’ve been having lots of fun . . . I’ve been making lots of new Detroit Steel Designs and posting them in my Etsy Shop. We’re also renovating my studio. New walls, new storage, lots of exciting stuff happening!
Little Red Riding Trike
Thanks to everyone for feedback on the background of this painting while in progress. Ultimately, I decided bright blue was too much and a subdued gray was too little. A hybrid of sorts emerged, and I will cogitate for a time on the results before signing.
If you’re curious about this background, I got the affect more from faux finishing techniques than anything I learned from an art book. I painted on glazes, and used a sanding block to bring back the layers hiding underneath. One of the advantages to painting on board is its wonderful ability to take abuse. Beat it, saturate it, scratch it . . . it’s still there for you.
The detail of the affect is not visible in the photo, but it creates very detailed abstractions in an otherwise flat plane. In this case, the technique has done a lot of the mood I had envisioned when I started out. The brown and black(ish) glazes almost make an antiqued feeling.
Painting in Progress – Little Red Tricycle
I’m currently working on this acrylic painting. I’m at my favorite part, which is applying glazes, adding contrast and detail. But before I go on, I thought I’d pose this quandry:
I’ve added so many layers in the background, I’ve really come to like this blue. But, I originally intended something much more subdued, dark and moody. Leave me your thoughts – - tone down the blue background? Or leave it bold?
Busy summer days
Wow. I’ve been updating my website and I just realized that come this November, I’ll have had this blog for five years. Five years. That’s a long time in the blogosphere. So much has changed since I started: my work, my art practice, this site.
Although I haven’t posted in some time, my work continues at a frantic pace. My focus right now is to get more of my glass works posted to the artfulhome.com website. Also, I’ve been having a blast with re-designing handbags and jewelry from scraps of automobilia and the results are getting posted in my etsy shop, Detroit Steel Design. Meanwhile, another tricycle painting is underway.
Last weekend’s show at Pasos Vineyards was a success by any measure. I met a bunch of wonderful people, I enjoyed some sales and I learned a lot about showing in a group setting. All very positive things.
You might notice that the website is undergoing changes. Soon, it will be merged with the site of pencilken.com under one umbrella: woodworth art.
Stay tuned.
Inspired by my own writings . . .
If you follow me over at www.findyourcspot.com, you’ll know that every Monday I give a blog-nod to artists who are making do with what they have. Recycling, upcycling and all that green stuff. I’ve been working on my own version. Make Do Mira, I guess.
Now don’t worry if this is not up your alley. Not everyone lives with a gear head and not everyone has an appreciation for muscle cars. But recently, while in my husband’s garage, I saw a piece of sheet metal taken off of a 63 Nova Super Sport Convertible. When I told my hubby I loved the texture and thought it made a great art abstraction, he patted me on the head. “That’s super, honey.” “No, really . . . it should be framed,” I implored.
A lesson in air compressed sheers and ear protection later, I was channeling Rosie the Riveter. I’ve decided to make some jewelry with this readily available supply of metal flecked with auto paint and bondo.
Here are the very first experiments – a couple of cuffs. I wore one all day today and was surprised at how lightweight, and comfortable they really are.
2 expiremental cuffs. The larger one is stamped with designs. The Nova was originally painted red.
Detail on the large cuff, "Nova SS"
Smaller Cuff, about 1.5" thick, I wore today. It's surprisingly comfortable.
It’s Still Mira, but it’s not Molten
I have been on a quest to create a new product line that incorporates cast offs from industry. Now that construction has come to a halt, the glass I need for my River Series is a tad more scarce.
A fellow artist has been commissioned to create an awning structure for our City. The top will be copper. I was at his workshop visiting when I saw cut offs of copper. Aha. A new material to work with.
I’ve been experimenting with combining the metal cutoffs with polymer clay the way I do with my glass. The bracelet above is my first stab at it. I have sculpted the clay to look like turquoise to interesting effect.
The bracelet is chunky and makes a statement. Perfect for an art opening (I do have one coming up – no wait . . . two coming up.) And, I learned a thing or two about the materials that will make the next one even better!
Stay warm and inspired.
“No More Cold Showers,” 23″ x 22″
"No More Cold Showers" 23" x 22", Acrylic on Board
I went with my husband to a place in Berkeley called, “The Urban Ore” which is full of architectural salvage and cast offs from daily life. I took several reference photos, interested in all of the textures – and rust. When I saw this bucket of cold water knobs, all I could think was, “Oh my gosh, there’s a building around here with no access to cold water!” I have no idea where all the hot water knobs are, but these really interested me.
“Late Dahlia,” Acrylic on Board, 24″ x 8″
This painting is of a very late fall Dahlia my husband picked for me from our yard in November. The color was so vivid and bright, I knew right away I would try to capture it.
Happy New Year
At Alyson Stanfield’s suggestion, I have taken a look back at 2008 and listed out my accomplishments with my work. I was surprised at how much I’ve done. Here’s a recap of my favorites:
1. Co-founded and participated in the Red Moon Art Salon;
2. Participated in an all-glass Invitational venued at the Sacramento Public Library in January of 2008;
3. I won an award in the Sculpture category at the Woodbridge Art Show in February;
4. My work was published in Artful Home’s Fall/Holidays print catalog;
5. My work was featured in the Sept/Oct show at Chartreuse Muse in Modesto, CA;
6. My work was included in a show held at the Haggin Museum in Stockton, CA;
7. My work was included in an all-glass Invitational at Carlyn Gallerie in Dallas, TX in Oct/Nov.
All the while, I continued to create, explore new mediums and sell my artwork.
So, what’s new for 2009? I’m going forward with an idea I’ve toyed with since last Summer. Helping other people find their own creativity. I’m starting a new blog, and I have lots of great articles and ideas scheduled for publication. In a few months, I’ll be announcing it, but you can get an early look while I’m building it if you’d like.
Stay warm and inspired.
Goodnight
It’s that time of year again. As this year is coming to a close, it’s time to look at our accomplishments and think about new goals for 2009. There are many questions on my mind: What direction should I take this blog? In fact, what direction should I take my art? Just exactly what am I trying to convey? Sure, I already have some ideas. But for the next few weeks, while I enjoy the holidays and the fruits of this years labor I’ll be thinking about this.
