Love Art

"love should be"

Here is hoping you all had a lovely Valentine's Day.  I created this heart art on that day I suppose feeling inspired by all things Valentine.  Then again I never need a reason to create hearts, they often are the subject of my art!  

This piece was created digitally on my iPad in Procreate.  Upon discovering some brushes I somehow had missed in Procreate I had fun using them to paint this heart.  I also used an ink pen to scribble the words across the canvas.  

The original piece was completed in black and white.  Of course I had to put it through a few filter apps and was happy with this red toned heart as the final image.  Pixlromatic was used for the filters.  

Do you use Procreate?  If not its a great app for drawing, painting, and even layering images.  Lots of fun to be had in this app!  Would love to hear if you have tried it!

xoxo

Love Never Dies . . .

"love never dies"

mixed media on 20x24 canvas

I am in love with this painting!  I have to say that it is my personal favorite of anything I have done thus far.  I used a limited palette of just black and white with some red.  There are a couple of other undone paintings underneath.  I just didnt like what was happening so I gessoed over it and started new.  

Here is the first new layer done with just foam brushes . . . 

I thought I would have trouble with all the space but I am getting used to painting larger.  I used mostly foam brushes and a palette knife.  My favorite part was adding the white drizzles!  

The words always seem to come to me as I paint.  And these words fit the piece perfectly.  Last night Lou hung it up on the wall in our living room.  It will be making its way to my etsy shop soon.  

I am sharing this piece over at Paint Party Friday.  Its always a great time over there!  

I am already planning another black and white piece similar to this except I am thinking a burst of yellow hearts this time!  I do love some yellow with grey. 

Now its time for some ice cream!  lol  

(seriously though, when is it NOT time for ice cream??)

xo

My First Commission . . . Lots of Hearts :)

A few months ago a friend contacted me through facebook, interested in a journal page I had done.  It was 5x7 and one of my favorites.  I only used white gesso, crimson paint, stencils, sharpie markers and stamps.  She loved the journal page and I offered to create the same on canvas.  She wanted a 16x20 which seemed daunting to me but I truly enjoyed creating this for her.  

I am finding that I like the larger space to create.  There was a time when that size canvas would be too intimidating and while I have to admit when I started this piece it did feel that way as I quickly filled it up it felt good.

I always enjoy the final details of a piece like this.  I decided to continue the design around the edges of the canvas.  I used my palette knife to scrape the red paint lightly along the edge.  Then I used an ink pen to scribble, add more hearts, and write "love" all around.  

I really do love this piece but more importantly the buyer loves it!  It has been exciting to be commissioned and it makes my heart happy that these hearts will be traveling to a new home soon!  

I am sharing today over at Paint Party Friday.  Lots of great art to see so do stop by!

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend!  The weather here in NY is supposed to be rainy so I think we will be heading to the movie theater tomorrow.  Candy, soda, and a good flick is on tap for this weekend!

Hearts . . . New Painting

"Love Inspired"

mixed media on 11x14 canvas

I had a canvas with an unfinished painting.  I no longer felt connected to it so I decided to create something totally different.  And I am so glad I did.  It is pretty liberating to cover over an old idea with something new.  

My new favorite colors are magenta and blue as you can see.  I was surprised I had the patience to layer!  I am slowly learning that if I can add more layers the painting has lots more depth.  I really enjoyed creating this one.  

Here is the first layer.  I used phalto blue and phalto green.  I applied the paint with my hands and a sponge brush which I have never used but love the feathery effects you can get with it .

 I fell in love with the first layer but knew I had to keep going.  

I love to add letters so I sprayed through my alphabet stencil and also added some white circles.  

In the background of this image you can see a larger painting.  That is something I am working on for Flora Bowley's "Bloom True" online course which I am in the middle of.  (more on that to come!)

I knew I wanted to incorporate hearts so I added that next.  

I also used the magenta which is transparent to cover some of the blue.  That was pretty scary for me.  Silly but true.  I get so attached to my layers that I really struggle to let go and cover stuff up.  

Once I did I liked that I could see the white peeking through from underneath.  

Initially I was upset I covered over the letters on the right side so I brought them back.  I also added a stamp on the heart which reads "when I want to see love defined I look at you".  I felt like it was a nice finishing touch to this piece.

I will be adding it to my etsy shop soon! 

Linking up today with Paint Party Friday.  If you haven't joined us yet be sure to check it out!  Lots of great art to be seen!

xo

Hearts and Truth . . .

mixed media journal page, 12/2012

Spending 2 weeks on the couch sick pummeled me into a breakdown of sorts.  When you have had cancer a simple cold or headache is no longer simple.  It begs you to question the reasons behind any and all aches and pains no matter how simple they may seem.  You begin to wonder if your body is hiding something behind the scenes.  You don't realize that just like anyone else you can get the common cold or flu for that matter.  

So the first day I was sick my headache pain threw me into a crying fit which caused tons of emotional stuff to fly from my lips.  Lou had just walked in the door to find me on the couch crying in pain.  I am sure he did not expect my rant.  Through my tears I rambled on about how I try so hard to stay well, taking a billion daily supplements, drinking green juice, trying to avoid sugar, trying to meditate, all in an attempt to prevent canser from ever coming back.  (yes I know I spelled it wrong, I do that on purpose to take away some of the power in the word)  I realized I am physically and emotionally exhausted from trying so hard.  I can't do it anymore.  I am worn out which is probably how I got sick in the first place.  Too much mental stress.  All of this brings me back to the belief in something bigger. As yet another member of my family was diagnosed with canser the survivors guilt (always waiting in the wings) creeps back in with a vengence.  And along with it comes its close friend, fear.  There has to be a big book somewhere with all the answers, most we are not meant to know.  Like how long our time here will be.  

My word for 2012 was "fearless"and I have failed miserably living up to it this year.  So as we are on the verge of beginning a new year I am not going to choose a word this time.  Instead I think I will try my hardest to focus on living in the moment, not in the past, or even looking too far into the future.  I want to laugh more, love more, find more peace, and spend my days creating with color.  

Thanks for your friendship, your sharing, and your support.  I look forward to more of these lovely connections in the new year!!

I wish for all of us an amazing year full of precious moments!!

xoxo