On a Little Walk

  My imagination went on a little walk and this is what it saw.
  
    A couple of little mixed media collages from my studio.

      These were made on canvas board, with acrylic paints, magazine bits, metal charms, and game pieces. A bit of graphite for a shadow here and there and a ribbon for hanging.

So many things can interrupt us from following our muse as artists. Here's hoping I have found my way back.

The Sea Calls to Me

The sea has always been a mysterious and magical subject for me. When I was a child, my family took vacations to the California coast. We rented a hotel room and walked down to the beach to walk in the sand and play in the waves.  I can recall the feeling of the sand between my toes and the smell of the salt in the air.  In fact, right now if I close my eyes, I can imagine myself standing on the beach. It's still a wondrous memory for me.

Today the collages I am displaying are made on two canvas boards and have a mini canvas mounted on top with lots of paint and tissue and printed paper overlay. For personality I have added my little clay birds, tiny seashells, and vintage music to create a story picture that is very sweet.  For easy hanging, I also glued a ribbon cord to each one. Over all size is 5 x 7 inches.

"By the Sea" 1






"By the Sea" 2

Blog Awards and One Painting

I HAVE WON AN AWARD! Wow!
Amazing to me, since I have only been blogging for five months. But I am "pleased as punch" to receive it from Mary at Tincantart.blogspot.com.  Thank you Mary!

So now I have a special message to post naming my own list of 7 of my favorite blogs, a difficult task.  There are soooooo many blogs out there and each day that I sit down to explore the net, I discover more fun reads. So it is hard to choose, but a fun job because I get to explore some more in the name of research.  I hope the links appear correctly and everything works, as this is my first time to do the link thing. And then I must notify them of their award.

Some favorite blogs I hope you will explore:
1. I love checking out the shrines that Mary at tincantart.blogspot.com She is so creative, you will enjoy seeing each one. 

2. I really enjoy looking through the variety of pages and fun posts by nicks at http://nicksartystuff.blogspot.com/    . 

3. Next on my list is Emily for her amazing art in which she combines digital art and hand embellishments for innovative collage. You won't be disappointed if you visit her blog at 
creativeartjournal.blogspot.com

4. Love looking at the amazing photography by Jan at crowzenart.blogspot.com
5. Lorraine has a marvelous list of fabulous videos that are so inspiring on loveofcollage.blogspot.com  

6. I love the creative and innovative artwork by Angela.   I need more time to try out all of her ideas at pagesbythesea.blogspot.com

7. Palma Rea  is next on my list today for her artful creations and collages so full of textures and colors. athena-myfirstbloggy.blogspot.com
 
As part of the posting, there are a few rules to follow.  And I hope each of the bloggers will follow up with an award list of their own.
**1. The first is to thank the blogger who named me on her list. Mary you are the best.
**2. Make my own list of favorite blogs.
**3. List 7 things about myself and here they are: 
       1. I am 60 years old and have been married for 38 years.
       2. I am an "empty nester", since my two sons have left home and are pursuing their own destinies with work and college.
       3. I have a  bossy calico cat named Domino. 
       4. I am a retired art teacher and I love repeating it. 
       5. I am a painter and mixed media artist now that I can do my own art, but sometimes I teach or share art projects with friends.
       6. I love to travel and attend art conferences or workshops. Is this a surprise?
       7. I am a bit challenged on the computer, but willing to learn so I can have an even better blog and maybe learn how to use digital collage in art.


So there you have it, all the bits about this fun award. Again please visit the blogs I have named above.
It will be a great way to start your day with a cup of coffee or tea. 

And as promised a little painting from a few years back with acrylic gouache, image transfer, paper collage, and texture beads sprinkled here and there. Hope you like it.

"Keeping Watch" 

Letting the muse lead the way...

Sometimes I really don't have a preconceived plan for the painting or collage. I just start with a background of some comfortable colors and patterns and begin to play around with the materials.  Like with the cloud-like texture on this basket and the tree branches. I did not know an owl would make it's home in the branches at first. But with my latest fascination with owls, it just seemed natural to put one there. And what else would an owl listen to in the night besides the music of the night itself.  The basket measures 13 x 13 x 6 inches.
                                                                                                                                               

"The Night Sings"