Saturday, September 14, 2013

One Of 8 Great Paintings . . . .


I started this 16 x 20 canvas yesterday and am loving it so far.  These are new techniques for me but one of my favorite color palettes.  I am using payne's grey, raw umber, titanium white and buff.  The titanium white is one of  Golden's new OPEN paints which is giving me extra working time. 

The techniques I am using to create this piece are from a great online class with Julie Prichard  titled  "8 Great Paintings".  If you have never taken a class with her you need to put it on your "to do" list!  Julie and Chris Cozen host a network where they teach multiple classes in mixed media techniques and have also just released a new book "Acrylic Solutions: Exploring Mixed Media Layer By Layer"  also fabulous and a must buy for your collection!  

I have taken many of the classes Julie and Chris offer and have yet to be disappointed.  Actually of all the online classes I have taken (and believe me there have been many) in my opinion they offer the best.  A couple of the things I love is that you have unlimited access to the content (not an easy find these days)  and instructor support and feedback on your work.  Within 24 hours there is a response.  It is truly an interactive learning experience.  The classes are super affordable as well.  

For more info on all the classes they have to offer 

I will be sure to post the finished piece soon.  I was not sure where to take it next but thanks to Julie's feedback I will be stepping it up a notch and creating more contrast!

See you soon!
xo

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

My Latest Article Published!!


Back in the early spring I was contacted by the editor from Somerset Apprentice to write a technique article for one of the pieces I submitted for publication.  This is my first time writing for Apprentice as I have published articles in Somerset Studio twice before.  I was so excited to have another great opportunity to share my writing and my artwork! 

The piece that was published is one of my favorites.  It has lots of hearts!  If  you follow my blog you already know of my love of hearts.  That is one image that always shows up in my work!  The title of my article is "Gotta Have Heart".  

Here is a little sneak peak!


Somerset Apprentice is on newsstands now so go pick up a copy!  

Feeling grateful 

xo

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Texture Tuesday And More Grunge :)


I am having so much fun combing my photos with mixed media paintings.  For this image I used a texture I created with a piece of my latest mixed media painting (will be sharing the original soon!)  and a photo I shot from the top of the MET in NYC overlooking Central Park.  

I love how the purple tones work so nicely with the sepia in the buildings.  I could play in photoshop for hours!  

Fine Art Grunge is truly an amazing class!!  

Sharing this image today with the lovely peeps over at Kim Klassen's blog!  
Come join us HERE!

Monday, September 2, 2013

Fine Art Grunge . . . My Latest Obsession


"The Path"

Is it really September already??  I seriously can't believe the summer is just about ending.  I think this is the longest I have been away from my blog.  And its not like I was away on vaca anywhere but I have been creating alot.  So I have lots of new work to share!  

Currently I am enjoying an amazing online course with Sebastian Michaels.  Its "Photoshop Artistry: Fine Art Grunge".  Its all about creating cool grungy photo art.  Seriously he has put TONS of content into the course and you have lifetime access to it which I think it great and not an easy find these days with online courses.  Click HERE for more info. 

The above image I created in Photoshop Elements 11 using one of my mixed media paintings and my image of the walktrail near our home.  I loved creating this!  It has been awhile since I have done digital collage.  I layered these images together and played around with filters and brushes until it felt "done".  The last time I was creating digitally I did not yet have any of my own abstract paintings.  I think now its gonna be really cool to use my own paintings for texture over my photos.  

I have more to show you so get ready!  lol  So much to catch up on since I have been away for awhile!  A print of this image is available in my etsy shop.  Click HERE to check it out! 

Hope you have all had a wonderfully creative summer!  Looking forward to catching up with you guys soon!!

xo