I'm working on a more abstract canvas for Katie's room using the same method of printing and then over printing that I used for these pieces. This is a very fun way to work, very intuitive and playful. The only problem I have is pushing past the "what if I ruin it?" stage--I keep reminding myself that I can't ruin it--after all, I can just paint it all white and start over!

I've been busy

Everyone's been home this last week, but obviously I've squeezed some time in for playing in the studio!

I've been thinking a lot about my art, lately, in an introspective kind of way. I have an artist friend whose opinion I respect. She looked at what I've been doing lately and gave me some asked-for criticism ("what do you think?")

So now I've been pondering what she said. She liked all the collages, but didn't think I should continue with the ones with layers of text and vintage photos (like the angel a couple of posts ago, or He Sings a Savage Song, or A Savage Place), recommending instead that I focus on landscapes/abstracts. She also thought that I needed to work on developing a style that was readily identifiable as ME. I'd thought that that would just happen on its own--thought that I could even see a style emerging... Up until now, I've really viewed my art as playing--therefore, I could follow my instincts/desires and do whatever kind of art I wanted to do. Obviously, part of me really feels like continuing along that path. I love working so intuitively--starting on a background by tearing out a page from sheet music or a dictionary, then letting some piece of that text lead me to an image and an idea, then listening to the words in my head to finish the piece off... I've thought that my art had a story/message--not necessarily the same for everyone, but there's a thread there that I liked.

So right now I'm just thinking... And getting lots done while I do it--but still so confused.

Hmmm...

One of many landscapes I've been working on the last couple of days... I reworked this idea on a larger stretched canvas that already had texturing over it... I'll try and post it below. I think I may like the first, smaller, untextured one better...

Playing

I was just playing with some transparent fluid acrylics, here (Golden's Quinacridone Burnt Orange, Quin. Nickel Azo Gold, Paynes Gray, Pyrrole Red, and Transparent Pyrrole Orange). This kind of stuff makes me happy--there's no pressure to do anything but play.

Another small quilt

I'm getting the chance to work on these small quilts during the evenings, and because they're so small (this one's 6"x8") they finish quickly and easily.

I don't feel like writing today, just sharing what I've done and getting back to work. Once the weekend is here, I don't get to spend as much time in the studio. I feel so blessed to spend my days doing something I love so much that I'm sorry (almost) to see the weekend arrive. Yesterday I spent much too much time drifting around the internet, so today I'm going to work!

New Art Quilts

Worked on two little art quilts this weekend, both in an abstract or geometric style, and I really like how they turned out. I love using batik fabrics. The colors and patterns really appeal to me. I especially liked the vermicelli quilting on Heads and Tails. I thought about doing the same to Argyle Dance, but didn't really think it needed it. Harlequin patterns are always pleasing.