August 27, 2007
Most people who see my method of painting find it odd because I like to complete sections vs. painting evenly - working my way to an end. I find that completing sections invigorates me to continue. Especially in large pieces if I have to all the base coat, then all the low lights…then the highlights…then the fine details…snore I lose interest quickly. I say this whole background story because I am almost finished with the bride’s face and I am now moving on to the groom. I am waiting to address the last of the fine details until the whole painting is done to ensure the overall look is even. So far it’s turning out nicely… I am nervous to begin the groom because he is the one I am most familiar with. For the bride - not knowing her / her face well has worked in my advantage because I’m not as hung up on the details… I know with the groom this will be a hurdle I will face. I’m leaving the groom’s clothing and the tiara since the whites will be in the same tone making it easier for the transition from warm to cool.
August 23, 2007
So after I learned to knit my goal level was to be able to cabling - CHECK! My second goal was to knit a hat - (waiting on Mary to show me her techniques) BUT my third goal was to knit doggy clothes for my little boys - CHECK! YEAH! I knitted a chunky “thick and quick” wool doggy sweater with fun fur trim. It was quick (about 1 day). The pattern was a two piece construction that you sew together. I added a crochet fun fur trim which helps hide construction flaws that sealed the edges. I know Jackson felt left out so I made him a scarf out of the remaining yarn.
I would like to add that Victor promptly peed on it - about 15 minutes on…
August 22, 2007
like free crustos with honey and whipped cream?! A happy birthday shout out goes to my dear friend Mary!
The photo is from my phone and is not the best.
August 20, 2007
Everytime I write a post my feet are nice and toasty thanks to my little guys!
Jackson - 2yr old black pug
Victor - 1yr old terrier/poodle/chihuahua (seriously!)
August 19, 2007
Just like money burning a hole in your pocket my new Vanna’s Choice yarn has been constantly on my mind… so I decided to attempt Cables! While out with my friend Mary a while back we picked up a free quick pattern for a cable knit cell phone holder. Mary was very successful with the pattern so I figured that I’d try it out. I have to say that it was a step up in my skill level and I had to retrace my steps a few times. Honestly I almost gave up BUT I am glad I kept on it - I left the strap off. Now my ipod has a cozy little home that I am so proud of.
Now
Mary can take this project off her list.
August 18, 2007
Not really BUT I’d really like to buy more of this great yarn designed by Vanna White and manufactured by Lion Brand Yarns. Yes that is right Vanna is doing more than just turning letters pressing buttons on screens these days. When I first found this yarn at my local Joann’s Etc. store I scoffed but I was quickly eating my words because the moment I picked up her yarn I was in love. It has a very soft feel and comes in some of the most wonderful contemporary yet traditional colors available in mass market today. I’ve showcased my favorites below along with one of her two new pattern books that I want to own. I treated myself to the “Pea Green” but now I’ve got to find that project that is just right…
August 16, 2007
In collaboration with my hubby (he shot & chose the picture) I have started this painting as a belated gift for our friends who recently got married. Fred had requested I create it and I agreed despite my fear dislike of portrait work. I am about objects… objects can be interpreted by the artist “eye” more loosely than what I feel you can do with portraits - I feel that if it does not look like the person it’s not a successful painting! (especially if it’s a gift) I keep thinking about that episode of King of Queens!! That is huge pressure…
I gridded the photo to ensure accuracy and penciled in the photo directly on the canvas. The lines were pretty harsh so that I could see them through the multi-layers of paint. I started on the background since it was not a subtle texture (they were married outside - this is a first dance shot) and would require a lot of pastel work before I stared on the skin tones. I still have not quite finished the back ground but quite frankly I was getting sick of working with nothing but green. The bride’s skin tones are much darker than what will be the final product. The under painting creates the base in which I go from dark to light. I also tinted the skin a little on the red side because my pastel colors I have available lack in the flesh tones. The close up is of the detail I have achieved so far. As you can see the painting is much more delicate than the line drawing… I can’t wait to paint the jewelry!
Of course I will be adding my style to this portrait. The blank section on the right hand side will be of a picture Fred took of their wedding favor. It is in keeping with who I am as an artist and the bride told me that they didn’t get to see the finished favors as the arrived the day of the wedding. I think it’s a nice touch.
August 11, 2007
since I’ve really sewn anything. I found this pattern for a plush kitten in a vintage needlecraft book that my friend Mary bought on Ebay. It is an awesome book that is a wealth of knowledge and has a ton of craft projects. I took the original pattern and modified it to look as if it is sleeping. I used a combination of new and vintage fabric. I also tacked the tail to its back and added a bow. Over I think it turned out really really cute. I’m pretty happy with it.
Original pattern from the book —> My finished product
August 9, 2007
What can I say… it’s a slow day.
August 8, 2007
As the category manager for all things plush and novelty I have a HUGE appreciation for this Hydra plush. The construction is awesome.
It will be mine, oh yes it will be mine.
