What can I do with?

Whilst sorting out a HUGE stack of old books I came across a old paperback copy of Oliver Twist that was falling apart.  As I went to toss it out I noticed it had lovely line drawings all throughout.  SO naturally I had to tear them out.  Now I just need to decide what to do with them?  Collage?  Use in a Junk Journal? Paint over? Altered page?  decisions, decisions!

Any ideas, anyone?

Joyness

Another girl is added to the Vintage Series.  She is rather sweet just tip toeing through the meadow of flowers...

Joy. Mixed media & vintage lace on board.  8 x 113/4".  $140

I really need to take the time to add in the Paypal buttons etc.  But until I get around to that technical stuff you'll have to contact me instead  - lindarichardson68@gmail.com :-)

I love coming into the studio to sit and ponder and start new works.  But completing something is very satisfying indeed!  I have a small box of items (including Joy) getting ready to take to display (& hopefully sell on commission) at a local gift shop, which is very exciting!   Yesterday I received my first commission also - very, VERY exciting!

So while I keep experimenting, and developing as an artist, I won't neglect my little happy, vintage girls - and I still have a pile of old linens and lace to use up too!

Tea or Wine?

Oil on board.  Tea or Wine?

Not the best photo, so I'll have to re-do tomorrow in better light.    I keep experimenting with oils and paiting.  It is slick & slippery,, but I love the colour intensity, and the way the finished paintings just seem to glow and really 'carry' across a room.   I've been told maybe this has too much empty space?

Christmas in July

 
 Christmas in July table - last Sunday in July.  Crystal. White linen. Flowers.  Prawns with pistachio. Roast lamb.  Christmas pudding with custard. Bliss.

Abstract flower

Three new works

Islands across the bay. Acrylic on canvas. 24 x 36"

This is a larger acrylic I did as part of joining the local art group.    Joining in and being committed to physically being at a set place, at a set time for the purpose of painting was productive as I finished two paintings in 3 weeks.    So far I have learnt to be freer with my brush, approach the canvas with gusto and confidence, and be bold with colour.    My question though is how to find time to paint.  I don't work so that should be easy? right? But by the time you factor in 2 teenagers and homeschooling,  with singing, drama, and flute lessons... and boy my week starts to look rather full!   I'm contemplating just treating 'studio time' like I would if I was working - just say for 2 hours every morning I am 'at work' in the studio and make a commitment to myself to do it.

White teapot. oil on masonite.  20 x 30cm approx.

Blue coffee pot. oil on masonite. 8 x 10"

Three new paintings.  Life has been busy, but I'm still here, and still painting.

One Small painting - Bay View

Bayview. 5 x 7" acrylic.   $55 signed with mat
Boats on the bay. Winters afternoon.  Lots of deep peach clouds, and one small boat.

Waiting for the tide

9" x 12" oil on canvas panel.   Waiting for the tide. I used my little portable easel yesterday, down at a local inlet.  It has carry slots for two 9" x 12" panels, a palette, and lots of room underneath for paints and brushes.

Getting back in the groove....

End of week 1 back in the studio, and I have these to show...

A pen and wash sketch from a photo I took last year. Quick, easy and a fun way to get back into creative motion... and to get things rolling I am trying out a few of my art supplies, to try and narrow down if I have a favourite, and I thought the easiest way to do that would be to start small!

5" x 7" - pastel on MiTeints Tex card.   Canelands 1.  $55 signed with mat

A scene so familiar to me - the canefields outside Bundaberg, Queensland.  A simple photo while driving past of a lonely farmhouse. (Although there are no windows or doors - I just double checked!  Maybe they are all on the other side?)

5 " x 7". Watercolour. Elliot Heads.  $55 with mat.

Another very familiar scene from last year - the georgeous river mouth at Elliot Heads, just south of Bundaberg.  ( The camera has washed this out a little)

I have really enjoyed working small.  They take a fraction of the time, I can do them with a small easle at my desk ( thus saving my legs as I can sit down), and it was less intimidating than jumping into something bigger.

Next I have to figure out 1. how to price these teeny gems, and 2. how to make them available for purchase :-)    Followed by an oil and then acryllic.  I am trying to see which medium I prefer... although so far I like them all!

Reserved.

Update 24/8/2012 - pricing done!

holidays...

Holidays here are almost at an end.  One more day, and then we'll be getting back into the usual school time routine.  And that should mean I will then get some time to be in the studio, be creative, and put some marks done, somewhere! This past week I/we have been creative in other ways, just not the arty kind: baking bread, home cooked meals, sorting the masses of bookshelves, de-cluttering wardrobes and cupboards, organising the office, shopping for art supplies - if that counts as being creative?   Also, lots of dreaming about what I would like to create - so all that to come, or at least start next week!