Love Is Enough . . .

"love is enough"

mixed media on 12x24 wrapped canvas

available on etsy 

This is the first time I tried a 12x24 canvas and really love the size and rectangle shape.  I went shopping last week and bought canvases as well as some new foam alphabet stamps and a foam heart stamp which I used on this new piece.  As  you can see I am still on the black, white, and red kick!  I may be stuck there for a while.  There is just something about black and white.  And red just fits so well with it too.  I have been using pyrrole red instead of a crimson.  The pyrrole red is an orangy red which I like better with the black and white.  When I used crimson it looks like blood to me.  Weird I know!  Ick!  lol

I added lots of texture with scrapes into the paint and drizzling black and white in scribbles all over.  Love the foam stamps.  This time the words were in my head before the painting.  I added the lines around the words with a faber castell gelato.  Its water soluble but looks like a crayon when u first draw with it.  I liked the look of that.  I needed something around the words.  They looked so lost out there alone!

I like the graffiti feel of this piece.  Lately hearts and love are the main subject of my work.  I have been feeling very out of sorts these days.  Anxious to the point that nothing even looks the same or familiar to me.  I really hate feeling like this.  Hope it will pass soon.  In the meantime I will try to just paint and get out of my own head.  Not an easy task but a necessary one.  

Sharing with Paint Party Friday.  Is it really Friday again already???  

xo

Live For Today . . .

The title of this post is something I have been struggling with as of late.  I am feeling more lost than I have in a long time.  I am distracted, bummed out, can't make decisions easily, and am struggling with who I am.  

I am constantly looking back instead of forward.  I am always counting anniversaries.  But not the positive ones . . . the anniversaries of loss.  I am not connecting with our new pug because I am constantly thinking of and missing the one we lost. 

Friday night was the first time I had been interested in paint for a couple of weeks.  Mostly because I have not been feeling well.  So I grabbed my 5x7 journal and some fluid acrylics.  I like to smear, drip, and add some stencils.  It was quick but fun.  It was a moment of joy.  

The image below is the finished page.  I wasn't sure how I wanted to complete it.  

I started scribbling with a my wite-out pen.  After I added the circle I glanced over at my stamps.  I have one that says "live for today".  Ironically it was the only one I was drawn to.  

Quite fitting don't you think?

xo

Black And White With A Splash of Red

"in the city"

mixed media on watercolor paper

© cathy bueti

Something about black and white that I love.  Maybe its the drama, or maybe its because it goes with everything.  I have done many pieces in black and white with altered photos so this time I decided to try a messy abstract piece with those colors. I completed this whole piece using my fingers instead of brushes.  And then lots of white out pen and black sharpie markers.  I like the splash of red too. 

I painted this last weekend just before I headed to the doctor for my emergency arm thingy.  And haven't painted all week.  I am feeling pretty crappy with this super antibiotic I am taking.  I am halfway through the 10 day cycle.  I will be glad when that is done.  The abscess is healing but my post traumatic stress continues.  I need more art.  I hate feeling so out of sorts.  I need to be kinder to myself. This too shall pass . . . 

Sharing this today at Paint Party Friday. 

Wishing you all a nice weekend  xo

See Yourself . . .

"see yourself as you are"
mixed media on 5x7 watercolor paper
©cathy bueti


I was inspired by the colors used in the landscape I shared in my last post.  Its something about reds and blues lately that draws me in.  I usually stick with neutrals or earth tones.  Nothing too bold.  Maybe I need the bold colors to help get my angst out.  I may have overscribbled on this one but I don't care.  It is still my favorite part of the process when I work on these pieces.

The question mark in the top left appeared in the red paint all on its own as I was fingerpainting.  I brought it out more with black marker and the white out pen.  The words I wrote around the circle say "see  yourself as you are".  And at one point I do recall scribbling "who are you?"  Its really how I am feeling these days.  Not knowing who I am anymore.

I had a truly difficult day yesterday full of anxiety and tears.  It was mentally as well as physically exhausting.  My arm is not healing as well as I had hoped.  More anxiety over this issue that is now in 3 months of development.  I just want some relief, mentally that is.  I was on the phone yesterday with the doc again and she calmed me down.  I may end up seeing her again on Tuesday.  Apparently I have a deep stitch that may be working its way out when it should be dissolving.  I guess it doesn't like me.  I will try not to obsess over it this weekend but she assured me that she will be available by phone if I need her.  At least I have a really patient and nice doctor as I continue to deal with this arm issue.

Hope you have a great holiday weekend.  Here it will be quiet, hubby is working for the next 3 days. I will be on my own trying to stay calm and keep anxiety at bay.

I am sharing this piece today at Paint Party Friday.

Its always fun over there!  Come and join us.
xo