![]() I don't even know where to start. After an inspired private tutoring session with my gal after school I headed home to change clothes and head out to Gallery 2014 for an opening. My intentions were to check out the art, show my support and distribute the last of my stack of Art Hive Magazines. So that didn't happen. But here is what did, and it ended up even being even better. I stopped by to touch base with Sally over at SMASH Beauty Lounge. Now, I had met Sally during the first Downtown Hollywood Art Walk that I attended back in August. At the time she had mentioned that maybe I could show my work at her business. Since I didn't get to see her during the last Art Walk, I just wanted to stop in and say hi. And I am so glad I did. Sally not only remembered me, but she closed up shop to walk me across the street to introduce me to Art Of Shade to meet the designer Kayce Armstrong. Seriously, this happened. Me in the middle of her studio/retail space surrounded by sewing machines, thread, fabrics, with Kayce's AMAZING sculptural designs everywhere. I even got a peek at one of her sketches. I am still recovering from how awesome this was. And somehow it happened that we started talking about my work, and of course I have tons of photos of my work on my phone so after showing them to Sally she asked if I wanted to show, like- tomorrow. (which of course now is TODAY) My response? You bet it was a resounding 'YES'. And after agreeing to meet in one hour...I walked away racking my brain...which pieces? And most importantly, how many frames do I have on hand? I made it back on time with five framed pieces. And she liked them. And they are going to be up on her walls for the Art Walk...and finally, like that....I found a home for my art, these crazy ladies I have been creating. But wait, there's more...I sold one. I happened to be in the right place at the right time...in walks Tina from Muzart, someone I had hoped to meet up with and had actually been in contact with...and Tina bought one of my pieces. Right there, on the spot. The pieces weren't even hanging up yet.
So not only am I excited to have a place to show my work, and someone who likes it...but I sold a piece...and I met a group of incredibly talented and creative folks last night...all thanks to Sally. I am sure glad I met Sally back in August. My only regret, that I didn't make it by for that opening. But I will go and show my support later at the Art Walk :)
0 Comments
![]() (Top Left) ...Driving to work...I was thinking this morning how different my commute is this year, traded in a two lane road for I-95 and 595 craziness... (Bottom Left)... I need to go up on the roof of my building more, the view is awesome... (Top Right) ...My finished art for the day, you can't see but I was watching South Park, so silly... (Bottom Right)...Lazy ol' kitties, they have got it made!
Waaaay back at the end of the summer...I did a little DIY project that I have been meaning to post- I made a chandelier for my closet. Now, I have always wanted one but especially in our new place. My new closet is much smaller than my old one and I wanted something to make it a special, albeit packed, space. The following pics are my how-to make a chandelier, and on a budget no less! Enjoy! ...I just wanted to take a minute and say how amazing my husband is. Seriously. After our friends left on Sunday we had a chance to take a bike ride to the beach and grab some dinner, and sitting there eating our pizza and looking at the ocean, I noticed our reflection and I was like, yeah, this is kinda awesome, sitting here with this man of mine. He is really just an inspiration, and I feel really lucky to have him as my partner in this crazy life. One of the perks of my job is that I can literally walk over and see him after school if he is teaching that day. I stopped by to see him today and I was just filled with a sense of pride and awe that he is sitting there, a college professor. He has worked so hard and it is really amazing to see his goal coming to fruition. He had just received a copy of an article to proof and seeing his name there printed out...just...awesome. And I feel lucky that he is also supportive of me and my crazy art habits...running off to the beach to draw at sunrise, random art supplies scattered everywhere...we are definitely there for each other. So anyway...ummm...yeah. I love Johnny G...soon to be Dr. Gironda!! ...besides hanging out with the husband...I made some art, of course. I was thinking about those costumes that you can buy in the drugstore, the ones in the bags...the devil costume with the horns attached to a headband, a red cape and tail (but not the pitchfork, ya gotta buy that separate!)...and of course the opposite would be the angel costume...pipe cleaner halo, white gown and feather wings that shed everywhere....ahhhh, I do love Halloween! So that was the inspiration for my pieces from the past two days. Still keeping it whimsical and fun, lot's of expression in the face...which is black watercolor pencil with layers of black colored pencil shading on top, with Sharpie marker hair and a salt-textured watercolor background. Not sure what to go with next..I keep thinking about candy corn...then also the Dia de los Muertos...which I kind of wanted to do as a side series...just a thought.
![]() Okay...so it is NOT the great pumpkin- I was there. But, it was daylight...so...might have to check again later! Very eventful week...and per usual by the time I edit some photos and make time to updated my site, well, I lose some of the motivation to write about it all. Luckily, I have plenty of pics to everything! For starters...can I just say that we printed out first photos in my high school digital photography class and...after that first photo came off the printer and I could hold it up for my students- it was EXCITING. Wow. So great to see their work in my hands instead of on the screen! Each student was able to select what they felt was their best photo from the first four assignments, and I am so proud of them! Hooray! Besides my excitement over the photographs...oh, and the middle school art is up to, I need to photograph that display, they did a great job on their line projects! Where was I? Oh yes, besides my excitement over my students' projects, there are many other good things... enjoying being a part of the NSU learning community...which includes the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale! I made my way over to the AutoNation Academy of Art and Design Open House this past Saturday and I am ready to make some connections, as a teacher, a student and an advocate for the Museum and Academy...hopefully more to come... Other happenings this week- friends. Lot's of friends. We have had some friends from back home in Florida and it was great to reconnect with these folks. Mackie, Justin and Ryan- we seriously miss you guys already, and it was great to be able to introduce some of our old friends to some of our newer friends here in Florida (thanks for coming down to Hollywood, Jen and Jake!) . Feeling blessed to have such great people in my our lives. ...and after everyone parted ways...quiet. Back to normal, which for me meant a couple of hours drawing at Hollywood Beach, today I sat at Mamacita's Mexican Bar & Grill right on the boardwalk. I may be addicted to cafe con leche, seriously. It was a productive morning, finished up my daily piece, and even made two angels for the super sweet waitresses that let me overstay my welcome at my table by the beach. Thanks, ladies! ...new pics are posted to the 'Recent Works' page, check'em out! (if you are feeling lazy I posted them below, too- no worries) I have really been enjoying this series, having fun with my ladies and with the Halloween-inspired motifs. ...and just like that...the blog is up to date, and I am ready for another week, hopefully full of art adventures! -J
![]() Having fun so far with my Halloween theme! I found this photo, not sure how old I was....or what I was supposed to be, what the...? Anyway...I sure do love Halloween! So far I am having fun with these new pics...figure I might as well go with the natural style characteristic that I already lean towards..big ol' eyes, small nose and mouth, crazy expressions, combination of b/w and color...drips, splatters, drips and salt texture....might as well. So, here are the first eight pieces... Real quick-like...this past weekend I had a South Florida first...I rode the Tri-Rail. I took it up north to see my art friend Jess, and it wasn't half bad. I could sit for an hour and just draw, she picked me up...got some dinner...then made more art while hanging with my Jess and Sof. Yes, please. ...that was Friday of last week...Saturday I was up bright and early to work on my art (shown in the two far right pics above) and then headed to Stitch Rock with my fellow Art Hive Magazine bees, Jess, Angela and Sof. Art Hive was one of the sponsors so we were there to distribute magazines and take pics from the various social media outlets. Not only did I buy some amazing HANDMADE gifts (and a few things for me!) but I was able to help promote these amazing artists. What an awesome thing to be a part of! Well, the black cat is outta the bag...my theme for the month of October is...wait for it...Halloween!!!!![]() Okay, maybe it's cliche. Yeah, so maybe it's seasonal. And maybe even cheesy. So what? I don't care- Halloween is my favorite holiday, always has been! I love it! The suggested theme for the CED challenge was 'Healing'...and for a little bit I was torn. I mean...I like that theme, too and I immediately thought of my angels, what a perfect fit. But I really had fun in December 2012 when I working on my 'Holiday Girls' series so I couldn't resist a chance to have some fun with witches, bats, spiderwebs and all that spooky stuff. So I gave in. Halloween it is!
So far the first piece is a continuation of where I left off last month, working with watercolor pencils, colored pencils and watercolor. I am working with a smaller format for this series, 8x10 inches...no reason, just 'cause. Per usual, let's see where this goes! ![]() I was trapped under my obese cat on Wednesday and it made me stop and think- hey, I need to rest...which worked out well since I stayed home from work to do just that. Getting a little sick, trying to catch it before it gets out of control. Not that this has anything to do with anything at all...but I wasn't sure where to start. I am still adjusting to all of the newness in my life right now, my job, living in a new place...and things are getting a little bit easier. But I know that the toughest battle I have been fighting this whole time is just with me, change is tough for me. But I can do this. I will do this. One constant, besides the husband and the cats...my art. I have done a better job with completing my daily pieces, which makes me feel like I have some control in my life, so it is safe to say that I am finding comfort in the process of creating. Now...posting it to this here blog and to my recent works page...not so much. Yep, not really doing a great job and that stresses me out, but again I am the only one that is holding myself accountable, but I would like to post more to my blog. Setting this as a mini-goal for myself. ![]() I realized when I was posting my final pics to the recent works page...I only completed one fashion illustration during the month of August. I mean, yes, I did make my daily art pieces, but just one fashion illustration for the whole month. This means that I didn't give myself that quiet time, pouring over fashion magazines, getting inspiration from all the amazing designs. I was too busy stressing out, whining, crying and whatnot. I can tell from looking at the fashion illustrations I have produced so far this month that I am on my way to my normal self, and truth be told, I might be even more appreciative of taking the time for these pieces after the previous month. I have already made almost thirty this month. Some are better than others, but I took the time to be inspired and to CREATE and for that, I feel like I accomplished something. So...yay! I am also feeling more at peace with my daily works this month. Last month I wore my heart on my sleeve with my art, the pieces were messy and chaotic, which is exactly how I felt. This month the Creative Every Day suggested theme is music, and I have definitely embraced it. I love music, and usually listen to it when I work, so it was very organic to work with music as my inspiration this month. I really like to work with text in my art, and the face so I combined the two, adding the song lyrics to most of the pieces. Looking through the work now that all the final pics are posted, I can see that no matter how hard I try to try working in a different way...I seem to find my way back to drawing. My original intention was to explore this theme in acrylic on canvas paper and other surfaces and..well...I guess a pencil or colored pencil got in my hand somehow and the large-eyed ladies I love to create just showed up for the music party, invited or not. And they brought their Mucha-inspired hair. Guess this is just kinda my style. ...which leaves me to now. Blog is now up to date, although there are huge, gaping holes in the time that has passed...filled with artsy fun, frustration, naps with furry critters and some sparkle...
But here I am. Not sure what the new Creative Every Day suggested theme is...I may venture off...ya never know. ![]() Oh, my....how am I going to keep up with this blog? I have to do better. At least I have been posting all of the art happenings to Instagram, please stop by and check that out. http://instagram.com/artinw_damuse In the meantime...here is some of what has been going on, in pictures! ![]() Last weekend...I got back into my fashion illustration groove thanks to no school on Monday and Thursday...and hung out with the Art Hive Magazine queen bees on Thursday as well. Here are my fashion illustrations from last weekend (and this weekend) and also some guest appearances by Mackie, Scooter and my fav, Tim Gunn. ![]() Today I woke up pretty early (even though I went to bed late, smh) and I made my first trip to my new 'home' beach and Barnes and Noble. It was a pretty productive morning (see below)...and after a nap I completed my daily piece while listening to the Avett Brothers, 'Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise'. Right now I think that this will be the first in a series, a triptych. Just a thought, there are so many levels to the song that I feel I need to make at least a couple more pieces. ![]() ...busy. Very busy. These are the fashion illustrations I have been working on all together as one body of work. What can I say...I was inspired! I posted them above, but here they are where you can see them each a little better. I will be cropping these and posting them with my 2013 Fashion Illustration album on FB and on the web...just not tonight, gotta watch Breaking Bad! ![]() So...I am back. Blogging I mean. I have been posting everyday to my Instagram account and FB art page...but as for sitting down and writing and posting final pictures of my daily works...not so much. I moved. I started a new job. I got really stressed, and truthfully...a little...okay, alot down. I realized I have a hard time with too much change all at once. And then I started to feel a little better...and then I felt worse, and then I didn't feel much at all. Those closest to me can tell you that August was at times a very dark month for me. But I held on to my art, making a piece or at least starting a piece each day and now it is calming down a little bit, my art and those close to me helping me back to the light. As for the move...I am beginning to feel a little better about it all, trying to enjoy the new place where we live while getting used to it at the same time. I do love to go on the roof and look around, you can see for miles, all the tall buildings by the beaches, the downtown area here, the art park, the airport and every once in a while you can see a cruise ship, and that's pretty cool too.But there is also lot's of traffic, and police and ambulance sirens...just...different. Not bad, just different. My series for the month of August was the CED suggested theme of 'Cycle'. I feel that I can look at the pieces and see my cycle of emotions for the month...some of the pieces are calm and controlled...some chaotic and messy. There is not necessarily a real flow or continuum throughout the pieces...they start, stop, progress, regress...which for me really embody the overall month that I had on a personal level. I am not going to stress myself out about trying to catch on everything that has been going on...instead I updated the Recent Works link with the thirteen pieces I completed but had yet to post final pictures of, shown below. ![]() The theme for September is 'Rhythm'...and I sure hope I will start to get back into my rhythm artistically and professionally. My immediate interpretation for this theme was to work with music/lyrics. I am going to try to not obsess over each piece staying within a certain size. I am going to try to be okay with working or not working with the figure in these pieces. I am not sure where this will go, I never am. But...if I am looking to music for inspiration, then there is so much inspiration to be had...so I should have no shortage of material. The first piece is an acrylic painting on canvas, 24x48 inches. I used a scratch-through technique to write the lyrics to Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix, definitely a favorite song of mine and also my husband's. I might do a second piece related to this particular song...not sure yet. |
AuthorArtist and Art Teacher
|