More pages from the Sketchbook Project

I just finished 2 more spreads....only 3 to go! I took an image for each spread and cut it into 2 pieces, one at the neck and the other I cut out the eyes. I then worked off each "piece". It is amazing how different the 2 spreads turned out.

2012 Sketchbook Project Limited Edition

I have been working on my second Sketchbook Project book this year. They provide you with a sketchbook and you art it up and send it back. It is an exercise for me in letting go. I am trying to enjoy the process and learning to let go of the final "product." The theme I chose is "Create and Capture." Not sure I am sticking to the theme, I guess I will see when it is finished. It is due at the end of April and I am forcing myself to do a spread every other day, so I am not racing at the end. I removed the pages of the original book and replaced them with Lenox 100 printmaking paper, so I could use water media. I did a matte medium resist technique with a watercolor wash and am working off the design that is left. This is what the pages look like when I start:

Medium Resist with Watercolor Wash

These are some spreads I finished today....only 5 more to go to finish!!

Flora Bowley Class at the Teahouse Studio

I spent 3 wonderful days with Flora Bowley at the Teahouse Studio in Berkeley, CA. last weekend. It was a great experience having the time to dive into painting without the usual distractions of home. I realized that I paint better when I am surrounded by folks in the process of creating also. There is an energy that is quite different that working alone in the studio. The Teahouse is a great place to take a class and I highly recommend it. We were treated to fresh, healthy food and all the tea and coffee we could drink. The above painting went through tons of different versions before it arrived in its present state. I did my best to dive into Flora's methods and keep my own painting style. It has helped me with the most difficult part of painting for me, I never know what to do with the backgrounds. My "folk" come easily, it is those darned backgrounds!! I have 4 more canvases in process, trying to get ready for Artwalk in San Diego April 28-29, 2012.