Old Becomes New

Passage 13

8x8

Mixed Media

Passage 12
8x8
Mixed Media

Hi everyone,

These are two new pieces in the Passage series. I have had such a ball doing these two. I've been playing with the acrylic texture mediums and I think Kelli's right. It can be addictive. On these pieces I used crackle paste, glass beads and sand texture gel. The other elements are collaged torn paper. The torn paper is actually an old watercolor painting that didn't quite work out. I knew those old things would come in handy sometime. If you're a painter don't ever throw anything away. I might end up as part of another piece someday.

In recent months I've had the opportunity to visit other artist's studios. Kelli and I belong to a group of artists that meets regularly for support, inspiration and marketing help and as part of the meeting we've had the chance to share our work spaces. I'm in awe of the work being done by these wonderful women and it's great to be able to see where and how they work. Our studios are sacred places. The room I had for my previous studio was very tiny, almost stifling. Now I'm in a slightly bigger space and I'm amazed at the difference it made in my work. I've expanded into mixed media which of course requires tons of art supplies. I'm also working a little larger and on canvas. Did I also mention that I don't throw anything away? The room that seemed so big when I moved into it is not as spacious as it was. Isn't there a Murphy's Law about that? Well, no matter how much or how little room I have it's still my favorite place to be.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there.

Choose happiness,

Carlynne

Changes

Beach Series #3

Acrylic

16 x 16

Hi All,

Carlynne and I have a friend, another artist, who is traveling alone in a foreign country because she has been feeling drawn to this particular area for some time. We have heard from her briefly by email and it sounds like it is a life changing experience for her, as I imagine it might be for anyone. I think this is a brave thing to do considering the times we live in, but I also believe we have to do what we have to do. As artists, our work is affected by so many things, what we see and feel, world events, losses, change of all types. We must be open to change and new directions in order to grow as artists. I have never been very brave but am working on doing things that are outside my comfort zone.

When I look at my beach series, I feel that this is what I am supposed to be doing right now. It is very different from what we did in the book. The funny thing is that when the book came out recently, everyone was, and still is interested in talking about the realistic work on paper that the book is about. I feel like that is history now, that I have moved on and am doing something else. I know I will go back to it sometime, but right now, I am into texture. Publishing is a slow process and by the time the book was on the shelf, we were both doing very different work. We don't much like labels, but we sometimes call ourselves experimental artists and as that name implies, we are always doing something new.

Change can be scary and it can be exciting. For myself, I want to always be open to change, even if I am afraid. I want to push the envelope of the world I currently live in and find out what is out there that I might want to do or see. And I know that this will show up in my artwork.

Love, and peace to you all,
and especially to you Merrill,
wherever you are right now.

Kelli

More News

We also have a workshop coming up June 9 and 10. This is the one on texture and acrylic gel mediums. Kelli's been working with this technique for a while now and I've just started playing with it. Take a look again at her Beach series to get an idea of what I'm talking about. There are so many different acrylic mediums out there and the textures are so much fun to play with. The workshop will take you step by step through the process of working with these textures and adding color. If you're in the Ocala area and are interested in taking a workshop please write for more information.

News, News, News

It's finally here! After four years of hard labor (and I do mean that), we have finally given birth to a book!! It is on the shelf. Orval, at Red Swan will have sold about 20 copies by the end of today, after our second weekly class. The online booksellers have already shipped it. If you get the book, Creative Colored Pencil Workshop, we would love to hear your feedback. You could also go on Amazon.com and write a review. (All good, we hope, but we can't pay you very much.) Remember that, in spite of the title, this is a mixed media book. Every piece is a combination of several media.

We are busy on the next book and it will be even more experimental than the first one. We're very exited and will let you know when we have more information.

Have a creative day.
Peace, soon.
Kelli