tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71425594152867701862024-02-06T18:35:38.160-08:00Golden Rule StudioAn evolving tale of artful curiosity, observation and searching for everyday magic.Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-16502377129208392342019-05-20T16:36:00.001-07:002019-06-03T12:11:24.923-07:00Class Offerings for 2019<div style="text-align: center;">
It has been a very busy year and I have had to step back from this blog. I wanted to step back in and let you know about my upcoming classes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwW9bsTImpK2y4-sRSACwBi-Z6Z2zzs-TCwHbnG6cL1U3V4k6ZORNXRHT5Q2ZfgzcZp73os3FKFeawURE9euEafLeozI-bTYVwazi2WUEvpJb2cbPrBc7BIgISFpsfKp8sinx9ptM0htw/s1600/15102as.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1254" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwW9bsTImpK2y4-sRSACwBi-Z6Z2zzs-TCwHbnG6cL1U3V4k6ZORNXRHT5Q2ZfgzcZp73os3FKFeawURE9euEafLeozI-bTYVwazi2WUEvpJb2cbPrBc7BIgISFpsfKp8sinx9ptM0htw/s400/15102as.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> <a href="https://www.artfulgatheringevents.com/" target="_blank">Fin Folk Online </a></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited to be participating with Artful Gathering again this year and offering my second online class. June 6-July 17, 2019. I poured my heart and soul into this class. I wanted to share with you my painting process from idea to finished piece and that is a tough job, as my mind is a complex web of inspiration! I will be available for live support throughout the class dates. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p6neqnzlPtRvQIzj_Go66zKHMmIAIlMaUyHfo6mQrcQlK4O90LQx4NvQkW5DGn81ogQa2AVOUynfc0t2JgHq_LPfQqqrjk-jLiU48dMZTb1EGPCn5uF8gYvM9fVvtQpMp97aiTetLsxU/s1600/18114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1258" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p6neqnzlPtRvQIzj_Go66zKHMmIAIlMaUyHfo6mQrcQlK4O90LQx4NvQkW5DGn81ogQa2AVOUynfc0t2JgHq_LPfQqqrjk-jLiU48dMZTb1EGPCn5uF8gYvM9fVvtQpMp97aiTetLsxU/s400/18114.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://wayartyonder.com/" target="_blank">Soul Narratives</a></span></b><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
August 3-4, 2019 I will be traveling to the San Diego area for my class at Way Art Yonder. This is a wonderful venue in Jamul. You will truly feel like you are going away to a retreat. A wonderful class room on a hill, with views of the surrounding area - all the way to the ocean. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This will be the first time teaching my new class "Soul Narratives" where I will be sharing my painting process. We will be using a 20"x 20" surface to give us space to explore color shape and texture. I will take you on a journey with visualization, story and playful painting techniques. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more information and to register, click on the Pages to the right for each class. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I really hope you will join me!</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-7745687435064110442018-01-20T16:00:00.000-08:002018-01-20T16:00:08.406-08:00Sketchbooks and Art Journals - New Year, New Start<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><h3>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUNpCbFdRT_7uLKRSFgRrm1ghaT3ZOTQ4N6oJeMay7Ypk_qa5D3vzvxNelHZ0Pi4ONlzrA-n473-Rs5p3ChY2KrJKnBkWa_4lBpWBHYXQ_v0a8_h-PIJS5n1Kt7OukMXQEggfvnqrTS6O/s1600/IMG_8135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyUNpCbFdRT_7uLKRSFgRrm1ghaT3ZOTQ4N6oJeMay7Ypk_qa5D3vzvxNelHZ0Pi4ONlzrA-n473-Rs5p3ChY2KrJKnBkWa_4lBpWBHYXQ_v0a8_h-PIJS5n1Kt7OukMXQEggfvnqrTS6O/s400/IMG_8135.jpg" width="300" /></a></h3>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Travel Sketchbook - <a href="https://www.dickblick.com/products/global-art-hand-book-artist-journals/" target="_blank">"Handbook 5"x 8"</a></h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I always start my new year with 2 brand new sketchbooks. A travel sketchbook that I take with me everywhere and a studio book. I wanted to share the books I use because it seems most artists pass over that part. I have tried many, believe me! I like the Global Arts Handbooks for my travel book because they can handle light watercolor and the pages are more matte than the Moleskine books. They also come with the handy back pocket to stash paper in.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SaBIPFMWCYEGAyU9jGRYM2nHWISPbtUfrh8GkU6Jurvj72x3M0jfBnw6fZM9xi15mnijahxg0v0ZOONcOnFYejmTXTCS15mwFpCiLi9FMexuUBjIzbki8-nUzaLJx59mhVSFYgco0Z36/s1600/IMG_8130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2SaBIPFMWCYEGAyU9jGRYM2nHWISPbtUfrh8GkU6Jurvj72x3M0jfBnw6fZM9xi15mnijahxg0v0ZOONcOnFYejmTXTCS15mwFpCiLi9FMexuUBjIzbki8-nUzaLJx59mhVSFYgco0Z36/s400/IMG_8130.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h3>
Studio Book -<a href="https://www.dickblick.com/products/stillman-and-birn-archival-sketchbooks/" target="_blank"> "Stillman and Birn - Gamma Series 7"x 10"</a></h3>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I prefer a spiral book for the studio, as it lays flat. I can open it up to sketches and ideas for my paintings and try color combinations out in it easily. I like the Stillman and Birn because the paper is sturdy - 100lb. The Gamma series had ivory paper - the Alpha has bright white, depending on your preference.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My first order of studio business each January is to decorate the covers. Every year, every book is a different expression and document to my continued growth as an artist. I love looking back at my progress and getting excited about old ideas that I can make new again. When I first started this process, I had a lot of blank pages left in the books, but felt it was important to start with a clean slate each year. Now I pretty much fill them up, as they have become a part of my artistic process. I am a big believer in documenting my journey with each piece of art that I make. Most of my ideas for larger paintings come, in some part, from these books and my art journals.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtY4fAH3gCGx2VliuMuQFE1qMeI9RE8cKEQD0g-wPbcDH8GJb0TfbO5UK4VjgM8NRaxdjlgu_zxbrD02wRiVy2LUOd49wyeBRrOIlSKglHWm8Nnk9YSKYP-PAmzjvx6hfE02DKewjvi-G/s1600/AJ+Bones+Cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAtY4fAH3gCGx2VliuMuQFE1qMeI9RE8cKEQD0g-wPbcDH8GJb0TfbO5UK4VjgM8NRaxdjlgu_zxbrD02wRiVy2LUOd49wyeBRrOIlSKglHWm8Nnk9YSKYP-PAmzjvx6hfE02DKewjvi-G/s400/AJ+Bones+Cover+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My new favorite art journal to work in is the simple kids books with a stapled spine. You can purchase them for pennies at libraries and used book stores. They lay flat because of the staple binding, are easy to slip into a bag to go to the coffee shop and do not require page removal because they are soft covers. I buy clear vinyl by the yard at Jo Ann's to make a simple protective cover. I just cut it out, make flaps, tape the edges and slide the book cover in - same way we made covers for our school books (back in the "old" days) If my pages become loose or un-stapled, I just poke holes in the center and bind it with waxed linen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkowXDS8Bi9Lz-ljRqjagoAYsqmwkOfv4AM_41tqsXQOz0ko90dW3QECSIkaUcGnzrAvDBDxI7GzSmQGut3PPkXd3rMh4Zp1uSBT2KmeDGxJlxsMp7H7G1JremyC3uSIeyZfc5KdAx_gPc/s1600/AJ+Bones2-3cu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1093" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkowXDS8Bi9Lz-ljRqjagoAYsqmwkOfv4AM_41tqsXQOz0ko90dW3QECSIkaUcGnzrAvDBDxI7GzSmQGut3PPkXd3rMh4Zp1uSBT2KmeDGxJlxsMp7H7G1JremyC3uSIeyZfc5KdAx_gPc/s640/AJ+Bones2-3cu.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pages wrinkle a bit, but once you add collage to each side and put your book under something heavy over night, they flatten nicely. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope this gives you some ideas for making a creative start in the new year!<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw_xSw1V0BG1AjHbfXmy_z-YV-MhkGw9enS4c1wgSuhDKO-vWTtdMkZ3E7r144izdNdWH7gaEbYzsjZqwC5bOsdppS_rAEuonJKqtpUHzTmqBozs4DYyh-LkaZx05tqJBN3_OmwXVgCj4/s1600/img667t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaw_xSw1V0BG1AjHbfXmy_z-YV-MhkGw9enS4c1wgSuhDKO-vWTtdMkZ3E7r144izdNdWH7gaEbYzsjZqwC5bOsdppS_rAEuonJKqtpUHzTmqBozs4DYyh-LkaZx05tqJBN3_OmwXVgCj4/s640/img667t.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another way to start out the new year would be to join me for :</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Unearthing Imaginary Characters</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
A whole weekend of exploring different ways to "find" your own imaginary characters!</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<h3>
<b>March 10-11, 2018</b></h3>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://wayartyonder.com/event-calendar/" target="_blank">Way Art Yonder Studio</a> - </b><b>San Diego, CA</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-42023203274886682322017-09-02T15:52:00.001-07:002017-09-02T15:52:53.693-07:00Teaching in Albuquerque, NM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6MeZD9WpMCT3U4areLaFNY3OVW1TALbF4hI3JfxbduTQwPvyPmlkcJ2BrEdV0wPXsjjzyJ2A95K_udIBak99jpjLUuSsgWbTzj-b7lB0fslqpsD5x9HtdR1h864QtW8CGUVKsO5Uh9Dj/s1600/IMG_1123crpt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6MeZD9WpMCT3U4areLaFNY3OVW1TALbF4hI3JfxbduTQwPvyPmlkcJ2BrEdV0wPXsjjzyJ2A95K_udIBak99jpjLUuSsgWbTzj-b7lB0fslqpsD5x9HtdR1h864QtW8CGUVKsO5Uh9Dj/s320/IMG_1123crpt.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I am teaching <b><span style="color: #990000;">Urban Folk Primitives</span></b> in Albuquerque, NM, September 30-Oct 1, 2017. There is still room to join me. I love this workshop because it is a true "mixed media" experience. We get to make a doll (no prior sewing skills required) and use my favorite technique for creating a face on fabric. I just love to make these primitive "stump" dolls. They require minimal stitching and can be made to look as aged or contemporary as you want. We will use our doll for inspiration for our prim painting on wood. We will use pencils, acrylic paint, fun fabric and vintage paper collage elements. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgcVnO8FkHSwSd71HTAwYmucVnWlPsV58u3HGbe0FU4pSRjh7LSq9FLuYUDF1Wezfw2-sLxnZgNTl1MZMTfDbdpN5kQ0eDMCkdEcYiB6yxXjAo4pGmVFBUG0o2vjH8xmysLb1nes3KqFX/s1600/Prim+Painting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgcVnO8FkHSwSd71HTAwYmucVnWlPsV58u3HGbe0FU4pSRjh7LSq9FLuYUDF1Wezfw2-sLxnZgNTl1MZMTfDbdpN5kQ0eDMCkdEcYiB6yxXjAo4pGmVFBUG0o2vjH8xmysLb1nes3KqFX/s320/Prim+Painting2.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are some samples done by students:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4ia1X0yntp3xDmX2VIYW3KBLjm1jOMemEas-qTNpzQpnVJzbNPQmZJZJySPn4As1ChiOYoVg_cVCqMXWoB0mkMdcFP3Z_FYXq4irr8KeMNhese8PZ5uSh4VdB7EjBjX1S70fS98UGUcC/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4ia1X0yntp3xDmX2VIYW3KBLjm1jOMemEas-qTNpzQpnVJzbNPQmZJZJySPn4As1ChiOYoVg_cVCqMXWoB0mkMdcFP3Z_FYXq4irr8KeMNhese8PZ5uSh4VdB7EjBjX1S70fS98UGUcC/s640/IMG_3994.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The possibilities are endless...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwhD3wAhr7LzRVPWLAr3-4AX5KeNREJVqvv7Y8Pbr0dXxSjoYY7buUYHhztLrPc_xVS05ahCsptSd5BtchTJIropZJxBtQ6Nwnf1ZXSRy42VYV9ebRYSRgg13X9r5Q8yRH8A4bMx-R693/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwhD3wAhr7LzRVPWLAr3-4AX5KeNREJVqvv7Y8Pbr0dXxSjoYY7buUYHhztLrPc_xVS05ahCsptSd5BtchTJIropZJxBtQ6Nwnf1ZXSRy42VYV9ebRYSRgg13X9r5Q8yRH8A4bMx-R693/s640/IMG_3987.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More details on the class <a href="https://karenobrien.blogspot.com/p/workshops-on-road.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-47377517598941845552017-06-02T13:47:00.000-07:002017-06-02T13:47:01.161-07:00New Studio Workshops AddedFresh from my retreat at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, I am ready to get back to teaching. I have decided to do a series of classes on Mixed Media Acrylic Painting. The first two will be all about expressive fun painting, no drawing or drama! Eventually, I have hopes to get a basic acrylic painting series going, so let me know if there is interest. Her are a few teaser photos. You can get the scoop on the classes by clicking on <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7142559415286770186#editor/target=page;pageID=8606322185473840935;onPublishedMenu=pages;onClosedMenu=pages;postNum=0;src=pagename" target="_blank">Studio Workshops</a> to the Right.....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqmZE1r6cvJI3HWuiBJV11Pykt453-7mmwQ1VfytlxLNNn4FsNW2_I_NtkLfX10bdT-Rn2ZmU07vGMTP0OkypKa9XST0TXuXNMvIw3a8p_lEhQwWSJ8gR-gStcufvbA3MCzAVketbtHTJ/s1600/104-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="1600" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqmZE1r6cvJI3HWuiBJV11Pykt453-7mmwQ1VfytlxLNNn4FsNW2_I_NtkLfX10bdT-Rn2ZmU07vGMTP0OkypKa9XST0TXuXNMvIw3a8p_lEhQwWSJ8gR-gStcufvbA3MCzAVketbtHTJ/s400/104-7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_7FbChgD8-Au3GBFA9-IG8OjGVTGMQJFLJda6-p_MeX5WqxLDtjnMlDFp1UxHu5Plsub139PgX5PxEiLWgTHRCFC1SurHfEesvc2s5UGwu5midQTKDyLh0eA_UoSPbNr40i_S8aPBsNt/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_7FbChgD8-Au3GBFA9-IG8OjGVTGMQJFLJda6-p_MeX5WqxLDtjnMlDFp1UxHu5Plsub139PgX5PxEiLWgTHRCFC1SurHfEesvc2s5UGwu5midQTKDyLh0eA_UoSPbNr40i_S8aPBsNt/s400/IMG_0805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HKHf8GzgDGTqe6sHgIgKXzpDqpe3Ibf-qlHJPjWxtMhNtB8BcNphUXbVQQM_l__lmBlT9k5tfu7RUDC6wxQgt1my_1MXQs2u73jagLpAphQsADsCB8qd-CLbduL2aBsqR-sq0-NdWKvw/s1600/91-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="1600" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1HKHf8GzgDGTqe6sHgIgKXzpDqpe3Ibf-qlHJPjWxtMhNtB8BcNphUXbVQQM_l__lmBlT9k5tfu7RUDC6wxQgt1my_1MXQs2u73jagLpAphQsADsCB8qd-CLbduL2aBsqR-sq0-NdWKvw/s400/91-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D39svIr_kLmh5AlJPowYl_l5hIF0aazH8kgmKDQ-q8DrRNYba8OhDE9qHVT7xgmUxVh0eGh-aNq3ubQRSIJlyuIHQDTYarf1_5yqbmfBsy5hY3n8jy-T2_1qOh6Ujp7Su5Avji1mh7Mp/s1600/az10+1133flower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4D39svIr_kLmh5AlJPowYl_l5hIF0aazH8kgmKDQ-q8DrRNYba8OhDE9qHVT7xgmUxVh0eGh-aNq3ubQRSIJlyuIHQDTYarf1_5yqbmfBsy5hY3n8jy-T2_1qOh6Ujp7Su5Avji1mh7Mp/s400/az10+1133flower1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByQ5Qoflk9Q_USeJ1RY4tnW-vLkD5Rm5MmwiWxrbQzt-ntgj01mQP82GQXimJiX1jGPAToVCX6vMtufOVekcPaI42TFt5Si7_Iy4oYTKC0znVYbS1IOkq-MaKre8WeSB0Nj-vo8SRoPdf/s1600/101154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1093" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByQ5Qoflk9Q_USeJ1RY4tnW-vLkD5Rm5MmwiWxrbQzt-ntgj01mQP82GQXimJiX1jGPAToVCX6vMtufOVekcPaI42TFt5Si7_Iy4oYTKC0znVYbS1IOkq-MaKre8WeSB0Nj-vo8SRoPdf/s400/101154.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-20436011131620290022017-04-06T08:59:00.000-07:002017-04-14T13:25:46.932-07:00My first ONLINE Workshop the Stuff of Dreams<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT-Gq43GXVtbYOWJitALc-SrU5lZTPS4pKbTO5CISW2zdwHnIE3ePRzgP4ck7rKSxRupOhBuon4l08Gv2v2bzNpVqyOkMoPRYi35dIab5l6ybnEdJlkWns0ixTh5OZhLqZwO_e1V-CiBi/s1600/karen_edited1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiT-Gq43GXVtbYOWJitALc-SrU5lZTPS4pKbTO5CISW2zdwHnIE3ePRzgP4ck7rKSxRupOhBuon4l08Gv2v2bzNpVqyOkMoPRYi35dIab5l6ybnEdJlkWns0ixTh5OZhLqZwO_e1V-CiBi/s320/karen_edited1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so excited to be part of the Artful Gathering 2017 Workshops. This will be my first official online class and it is PACKED full of info, explorations and techniques.<br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Both painting and doll making!</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a video teaser of what is included.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9zoQs5a_IqA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9zoQs5a_IqA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can get the scoop on registration here:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://artfulgatheringshops.com/registration/">http://artfulgatheringshops.com/registration/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AND... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
everyone who attends my workshop will have a chance to win:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob2oGcpIu6rlGQBVSNgLoMiqW9ZLSHICnXklJ2VWuQaEXyTWYwzd7gdfXtkkQ9bsNvohjUoqEjwDdqP5DTnWawBpRxTiBBUM9paUtIHOmlS6zkgJublT8GPeaRvRDOskIQG4x9cN-hSxW/s1600/Karenobriencrownversion_edited1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob2oGcpIu6rlGQBVSNgLoMiqW9ZLSHICnXklJ2VWuQaEXyTWYwzd7gdfXtkkQ9bsNvohjUoqEjwDdqP5DTnWawBpRxTiBBUM9paUtIHOmlS6zkgJublT8GPeaRvRDOskIQG4x9cN-hSxW/s1600/Karenobriencrownversion_edited1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grab the secret word </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiuipL5CZX6B4S2qfoi0sSP5lociBb7taYmQi7wcwuSpLoepB3KxJ1h0PyK9tzgMJOnebySQiMy_jLvfDAqT8-OXod9hEj_f7UfyHEwhd1iCR7xGrE-3nydpN4e16oSwU0egbPUdfdRNg/s1600/blog+hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiuipL5CZX6B4S2qfoi0sSP5lociBb7taYmQi7wcwuSpLoepB3KxJ1h0PyK9tzgMJOnebySQiMy_jLvfDAqT8-OXod9hEj_f7UfyHEwhd1iCR7xGrE-3nydpN4e16oSwU0egbPUdfdRNg/s1600/blog+hop.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AND....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
if you have not been collecting you can visit the other blogs on the hop to catch up and get a chance to win awesome prizes:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtwOsQW07imzuPilgbaHXmQ66YzLXjZtYoKe5N0iNyyMXdqHIyQqmgRuwlGGJhTtuA8gel537WAbB3EirsI7frAfTuqgEP-X2TKin-k2-lc5q7vzluT2v1w1HUKC3nyGE4Db-cSfJ5Ub8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbtwOsQW07imzuPilgbaHXmQ66YzLXjZtYoKe5N0iNyyMXdqHIyQqmgRuwlGGJhTtuA8gel537WAbB3EirsI7frAfTuqgEP-X2TKin-k2-lc5q7vzluT2v1w1HUKC3nyGE4Db-cSfJ5Ub8/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://artfulgatheringshops.com/artful-gathering-blog-hop-2017/" target="_blank"> http://artfulgatheringshops.com/artful-gathering-blog-hop-2017/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-73733523386611331992017-02-19T16:04:00.002-08:002017-02-19T16:04:15.449-08:00Re-visiting My Creative Roots<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have set a goal this year to expand my mixed media work by returning to my first love....fabric! I am lucky enough to join a local "journal quilt" group which meets monthly. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Journal quilts</b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"> are generally small - often A4 size or 12” x 12”, are made regularly – weekly, monthly etc and are used as a way to experiment and to document. No rules except the size. </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;">My first journal quilt was last December. I shared the results in my last post, but I could not stop myself from using the shape to make a doll. Here is my finished quilt:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLsd1xWiqdXVA1AUS9jQDroxQZwNR_E5YVvdGr6wcBSqp0bg54tYQbLCPBanXpCvNyKnz8EAKnr1d-XozOXaE-2JPZgirFH8ZCrVh9CpBw4MWkB1Ito9vyUZsEKYgCyIgzfBg5-1Z7_3S/s1600/IMG_6099+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDLsd1xWiqdXVA1AUS9jQDroxQZwNR_E5YVvdGr6wcBSqp0bg54tYQbLCPBanXpCvNyKnz8EAKnr1d-XozOXaE-2JPZgirFH8ZCrVh9CpBw4MWkB1Ito9vyUZsEKYgCyIgzfBg5-1Z7_3S/s320/IMG_6099+%2528Edited%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222;">and here is the doll:</span></div>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkjFmtiKkJPBFpkr8Fep9OGjxlpjip96FvENosGUAVB2MNLmq4jZ9jAdONnA1wqRLi8xBqEF-cwG8zEcGsKmslBbBkmCVq4-pKicGjDkU29Jz6RAZaUY6J4-_v00m62wcxqe-zFKlaLux/s1600/IMG_6102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKkjFmtiKkJPBFpkr8Fep9OGjxlpjip96FvENosGUAVB2MNLmq4jZ9jAdONnA1wqRLi8xBqEF-cwG8zEcGsKmslBbBkmCVq4-pKicGjDkU29Jz6RAZaUY6J4-_v00m62wcxqe-zFKlaLux/s320/IMG_6102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">And a "series" is born! </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For 2017 our theme is colors and January was Grey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are photos of my process.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rn7Hj5dCukmW55hbLWlkihbAulA83HqiC7JeR0mrG6yooTRawmfMPluMF_wQyoeykkdgh0-x4QrtvrF8kQajhrL5py19fmqXaobv_x34wyeBiXFcJH3Ax_M9VsO5aetRXUdMDes9sCEf/s1600/IMG_6275.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Rn7Hj5dCukmW55hbLWlkihbAulA83HqiC7JeR0mrG6yooTRawmfMPluMF_wQyoeykkdgh0-x4QrtvrF8kQajhrL5py19fmqXaobv_x34wyeBiXFcJH3Ax_M9VsO5aetRXUdMDes9sCEf/s400/IMG_6275.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing with ideas...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz1tCrH8_tNRKf77xGNBF63euGeEQmNrAR9Dy8p2kWlPsFr5b59OzExyqvgf6W5NrM3bxvjRwQHzGOEcqD5wydVJjNzWZCe6dY0-o0fzZ8bKhMdx1-4VNrtPN8e4izc8saW5NKzeYehdu/s1600/IMG_6276.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBz1tCrH8_tNRKf77xGNBF63euGeEQmNrAR9Dy8p2kWlPsFr5b59OzExyqvgf6W5NrM3bxvjRwQHzGOEcqD5wydVJjNzWZCe6dY0-o0fzZ8bKhMdx1-4VNrtPN8e4izc8saW5NKzeYehdu/s400/IMG_6276.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Things are taking shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyvwQI5esQJq6dGzLbFaAOCxcNyO28ebE-19H9lfDZEjXtWrfsGnq4qgt3Cyidk5w233MnRTPlardxVnOtJCSVztEsDJQqcb6b8b6nOy1giAMz8CpVuoe627djISL-0xUQ3ExdpwFA2Q3/s1600/IMG_6295.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUyvwQI5esQJq6dGzLbFaAOCxcNyO28ebE-19H9lfDZEjXtWrfsGnq4qgt3Cyidk5w233MnRTPlardxVnOtJCSVztEsDJQqcb6b8b6nOy1giAMz8CpVuoe627djISL-0xUQ3ExdpwFA2Q3/s400/IMG_6295.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faces done on vintage paper that is collaged to muslin so I can sew them on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3oaVvHlUQN0dRIW1CdVA5sAvV2WUndhs6gJ3lrKzy51maLTOz3XOHCLlxkRak3CPMsqCKLjz3tRNPotmWDdQ78xcNsII2QQOaDo58Z_yBbIQsylBGdL3PAMzEsCpsQ6QDxJ_lvrFK6UK/s1600/IMG_6312.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3oaVvHlUQN0dRIW1CdVA5sAvV2WUndhs6gJ3lrKzy51maLTOz3XOHCLlxkRak3CPMsqCKLjz3tRNPotmWDdQ78xcNsII2QQOaDo58Z_yBbIQsylBGdL3PAMzEsCpsQ6QDxJ_lvrFK6UK/s400/IMG_6312.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for hand stitching....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And here is the final piece....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilltF4twrfUPvnKQXv5wxlKA7P-hYTkvc0CQI6X5j1HUnhpMlbSl6R9RRBAebe5x4T2mnSbiwXYkyKYFX_2Yo4b8jg97BDxZ1O8Tf7sqtOUWhZqfKnZiFICfQvSnejqzwpn3peKK9zTahY/s1600/IMG_6426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilltF4twrfUPvnKQXv5wxlKA7P-hYTkvc0CQI6X5j1HUnhpMlbSl6R9RRBAebe5x4T2mnSbiwXYkyKYFX_2Yo4b8jg97BDxZ1O8Tf7sqtOUWhZqfKnZiFICfQvSnejqzwpn3peKK9zTahY/s640/IMG_6426.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just could not bear to cover up the beautiful hankie so.....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwiMBVkd9TjRqNdHkUOMNxe2dsVOAd-PascsCCEGBQvX7zXtmVRUg2HGaxvOJmpUWu8L4Myb17oOTFjgqKH7nqV2_iAfi5SXW4FU9rjGJgPBuqSLNOIb7XmeOXKI7to64Fzz4AGhJBwRw/s1600/IMG_6427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwiMBVkd9TjRqNdHkUOMNxe2dsVOAd-PascsCCEGBQvX7zXtmVRUg2HGaxvOJmpUWu8L4Myb17oOTFjgqKH7nqV2_iAfi5SXW4FU9rjGJgPBuqSLNOIb7XmeOXKI7to64Fzz4AGhJBwRw/s640/IMG_6427.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are photos of the doll I made, inspired by the quilt</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomIG4fLCeB0lk3NXFwNO2aDUcVmr0LJBW-yy2jzYtmod7zJwyFT6jJ0ml1vhw1SNlFHWcxuwv7BBuMNX3DGG_DJMijCBZnTcyXWNfBA0EdoaMKRDx0NLveAMa55MyKDQnwMyXcI7prO4y/s1600/IMG_6439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiomIG4fLCeB0lk3NXFwNO2aDUcVmr0LJBW-yy2jzYtmod7zJwyFT6jJ0ml1vhw1SNlFHWcxuwv7BBuMNX3DGG_DJMijCBZnTcyXWNfBA0EdoaMKRDx0NLveAMa55MyKDQnwMyXcI7prO4y/s400/IMG_6439.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bear was made from an old grain sack and the sweater is a sleeve from an old sweater I felted.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT4D-pIHEO-jp53qyeA1F-2w05XNm-skO4USZZOpMRA4h0THC77L7g-kqFhSWXfUN0Z9L9aCBADPAh1NzxKxjkSnioTST2C94Q-tc_xPTQUBKRUA_3G23DTJfX2z3CuBNp4LbINa3vmvK/s1600/IMG_6442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhT4D-pIHEO-jp53qyeA1F-2w05XNm-skO4USZZOpMRA4h0THC77L7g-kqFhSWXfUN0Z9L9aCBADPAh1NzxKxjkSnioTST2C94Q-tc_xPTQUBKRUA_3G23DTJfX2z3CuBNp4LbINa3vmvK/s400/IMG_6442.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sweater had holes, so I made them a feature!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A quilt, a doll and now I think, a painting inspired by them....</div>
</span></span></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-41235099738059819682017-01-01T11:34:00.001-08:002017-01-01T11:35:17.287-08:00Looking Forward to 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLNaToaX2U10_ikxHuPoo-xv_ZpK-8uRR5i1JVR01z0TUiD5mqToVocAGF1B8e9lx7DX2mAjkkvPSuPsppCH1BtvAyg5bSdrrI5hOoI9jmAIdRKnjlL4JmMfVezyTthu0DKtgf5eZJSES/s1600/IMG_5516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLNaToaX2U10_ikxHuPoo-xv_ZpK-8uRR5i1JVR01z0TUiD5mqToVocAGF1B8e9lx7DX2mAjkkvPSuPsppCH1BtvAyg5bSdrrI5hOoI9jmAIdRKnjlL4JmMfVezyTthu0DKtgf5eZJSES/s320/IMG_5516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I always take time to review how things went during the year. I traveled alot. Santa Rosa, San Diego, Port Townsend, Whidbey Island, Phoenix, Denver to name a few. I met some amazing and inspiring students and artists. Visited wonderful museums and participated in an Open Studio weekend in my home town.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7s09hAlAlfpszdpPSmIUqrtobuxUBHtNlks2a9PAAmnTiFuXXb-kUAppEKmfWAgFSPUsZyqn0T_NYt9mgwVafFdVLmX_feSAhoIJ_jvQYixWg_rtDDTjPerJgwRkamscF2xuUeOBz9fh/s1600/IMG_5810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn7s09hAlAlfpszdpPSmIUqrtobuxUBHtNlks2a9PAAmnTiFuXXb-kUAppEKmfWAgFSPUsZyqn0T_NYt9mgwVafFdVLmX_feSAhoIJ_jvQYixWg_rtDDTjPerJgwRkamscF2xuUeOBz9fh/s400/IMG_5810.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am truly grateful, but tired! In the process of teaching and traveling, I can see I have neglected no only my blog, but also myself. I did not leave much room for silence, solitude, personal creative time or self care. This is why I am slowing down in 2017. I feel the pull to regroup and move into new challenges. This break will allow me to do some different and exciting "small" teaching venues and actually have time to paint and work on new techniques and classes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDiF6vbttWDhVFNRn_VhVWFY_KnJ3nxqX2g33uuP3TzKQ-QGI6HkWjvI2O0rNROcBVRjedk63UxVEBXgz4LbXKkBEfzIwAHI075Ay4sFqbzcON6reSiFzRslzMXkDH5U6Y4FpIh672JDd/s1600/IMG_5581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHDiF6vbttWDhVFNRn_VhVWFY_KnJ3nxqX2g33uuP3TzKQ-QGI6HkWjvI2O0rNROcBVRjedk63UxVEBXgz4LbXKkBEfzIwAHI075Ay4sFqbzcON6reSiFzRslzMXkDH5U6Y4FpIh672JDd/s320/IMG_5581.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
With personal growth in mind, I have joined a local "journal quilt" group and I am excited to see where this takes me. I am thrilled to be working with my beloved fabric stash again! A journal quilt group sets parameters on size, monthly challenge and we usually pick out a fat quarter of fabric which may or may not be used in the monthly challenge.<br />
This was my first journal quilt inspired by Austrailia. I love the process of researching Australia and came across some amazing rock paintings done by the native aboriginal people. Click <a href="https://www.kimberleyfoundation.org.au/kimberley-rock-art/research-history/" target="_blank">here</a> to see to these amazing paintings.<br />
I gathered what I had in my stash, the challenge fabric (the dotted fabric in the left corner) and some vintage buttons and a key. I decided to rust the muslin to look more like a "rock" surface. This turned into a real mixed media challenge and I loved it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXab2hyphenhyphen9h-sCjd93NYmgbcDQeBgmlpz5iCzydO5rsHBsBR6Pwz_aRGCFz5vylKVkICBQA7htzvMG_qO6OxvtkazxPSVDBBGO2qmsQpU9V5DL2CbulMNtSyyd7paqI2ROCqwgy_23mLvigG/s1600/IMG_6097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXab2hyphenhyphen9h-sCjd93NYmgbcDQeBgmlpz5iCzydO5rsHBsBR6Pwz_aRGCFz5vylKVkICBQA7htzvMG_qO6OxvtkazxPSVDBBGO2qmsQpU9V5DL2CbulMNtSyyd7paqI2ROCqwgy_23mLvigG/s320/IMG_6097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I am currently in the process of filming my first online class that will be offered through Artful Gathering in the early summer. It is too early for the class offerings to be posted, but you can sign up for notification on the link <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artfulgatheringfest/" target="_blank">here</a>. This is a total learning experience and I am hoping after I am through, I will be able to do more filming and offer regular online classes.<br />
I will also be teaching at Annie Hooten's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/841407285965631/" target="_blank">New Tricks</a> Art space in Albequerque, NM in late September. There will also be a SURPRISE announcement in February, of another exiting teaching venue happening late October, so stay tuned!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BT0I8i8hHcOgW4YP12aH8VQ5n1dR10U5EOjfexXwvFQkAvtCkbEXXPP7tzi147itXsZeZINX9A89nvB2yqgDwgpDIRGJbQV2JLDRHpYA1oVJ85WMA0ryGbVih-6pXnRJjIV5cxK7pGPp/s1600/wjournalclass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4BT0I8i8hHcOgW4YP12aH8VQ5n1dR10U5EOjfexXwvFQkAvtCkbEXXPP7tzi147itXsZeZINX9A89nvB2yqgDwgpDIRGJbQV2JLDRHpYA1oVJ85WMA0ryGbVih-6pXnRJjIV5cxK7pGPp/s320/wjournalclass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In the meantime....I have 2 local classes that are coming up. One at my studio in January and and one at the Grants Pass Art Museum in March. Click on the links above for more info and I hope you can join me if you are in the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-BJt2Kza0SDdYcL5UhcwYrb5djdVQu1RbrgbxvXYp0Bw1_frcdek5fPuthZIh0pN9Rcq3RPaHvNTeXlT_tsz1t0d09DPpgqNARUc-uxut3BlmTqf937Jg4fkk8Z_SjrZq-YGSukB4sEd/s1600/IMG_6288.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib-BJt2Kza0SDdYcL5UhcwYrb5djdVQu1RbrgbxvXYp0Bw1_frcdek5fPuthZIh0pN9Rcq3RPaHvNTeXlT_tsz1t0d09DPpgqNARUc-uxut3BlmTqf937Jg4fkk8Z_SjrZq-YGSukB4sEd/s320/IMG_6288.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I wish you a peaceful and healthy 2017!</span></b></div>
<br />
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-68604630861086902222016-05-04T15:39:00.002-07:002016-05-04T15:44:53.094-07:00New Local Class Added!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkDHEz1brjsDMmY9Tp11dr3az6-NZHlSBkwLSS1C5AxkA988GkvD5MmaYXCA1qgZf_t3HvfeeAfdqxajvGW1AKMJl7_KrriCgoImAjd0sTy44cnNg36btYW75RdiHc3GDMd6JTDNJ9D9C/s1600/2x3blockparty6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkDHEz1brjsDMmY9Tp11dr3az6-NZHlSBkwLSS1C5AxkA988GkvD5MmaYXCA1qgZf_t3HvfeeAfdqxajvGW1AKMJl7_KrriCgoImAjd0sTy44cnNg36btYW75RdiHc3GDMd6JTDNJ9D9C/s400/2x3blockparty6.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just wanted to let you know I am adding classes at my studio this summer. The first class will be:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%;">June 11, 2016 - The Fantastic World
of Collage<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can click on the page link above "Studio Classes Grants Pass, Oregon" to find out more about the class. I will be adding additional classes and posting them here on the blog.</div>
</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-5676163575089708352016-04-26T10:24:00.001-07:002016-04-26T10:24:19.587-07:00Why I Participate in Art RetreatsParticipating in an art retreat as a student, teacher, vendor or all of the above is always an adventure. The travel planning, gathering of supplies, anticipation of what is to come is all part of the fun.<br />
There is also our fair share of stress - will my supplies get through security? Will the paints explode on the way....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pedbygg69rgBfaz6Wr1JLPleO24lYN995TKxwOCkqSha1UIDb81sK4NbaIwYBavA-I_jNVDg7n0p4vqzFESin_HCKFpZJQODtiNJnf8JhczgLMMu-DlPD9Fb1bFRAC-knQDnCbOY3-Rl/s1600/IMG_3929+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pedbygg69rgBfaz6Wr1JLPleO24lYN995TKxwOCkqSha1UIDb81sK4NbaIwYBavA-I_jNVDg7n0p4vqzFESin_HCKFpZJQODtiNJnf8JhczgLMMu-DlPD9Fb1bFRAC-knQDnCbOY3-Rl/s320/IMG_3929+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
What if I don't bring the right supplies? I have been to many retreats and can honestly say I have never been left stranded with the wrong supplies. Didn't bring the right supply? Usually it mysteriously arrives, between "trades" folks make as a getting to know you gesture and/or generous classmates. I have developed a zen philosophy about this, and I chant it as I am packing for each event. "Whatever I have or am given is enough." It has NEVER failed me. It enhances my experience by forcing me to "make do" with what is in front of me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryTZYtT8SddgOYblBGu98t7sS2YV5dEKSZRgLwtJcGLb1JVrCROLccY0lwyV2gFWx7Um8kjpJ02oLUjRxFn2t8F0QJCYdIbArOBzIFKePDOo3AfX8mXzk1Hj8M0ymjOODIiRD8jDEmI2x/s1600/IMG_4905t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryTZYtT8SddgOYblBGu98t7sS2YV5dEKSZRgLwtJcGLb1JVrCROLccY0lwyV2gFWx7Um8kjpJ02oLUjRxFn2t8F0QJCYdIbArOBzIFKePDOo3AfX8mXzk1Hj8M0ymjOODIiRD8jDEmI2x/s400/IMG_4905t.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have met some lifelong friends at art retreats. Attending an event where everyone there has something in common with you is a great ice breaker. Even if you are shy or nervous, many creative people have an outgoing nature and pull you into the conversation to put you at ease. Meeting folks who have traveled a long way to attend, hearing their travel adventures - both good and bad provides inspiration to take a risk and travel somewhere you had not considered.<br />
<br />
Most artists work in a fair level of isolation and an art retreat allows you to clear the cobwebs off and get real feedback on your work - not just the negative talk that sometimes runs in your head.<br />
I recently attended <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mixedmediaartretreats/timeline" target="_blank">Art Is You - Mixed Media Retreat</a> in Santa Rosa. A wonderful event run by the tireless Sallianne McClelland and Ellen Legare. These women really know how to create a community.<br />
<br />
I met so many amazing, wonderful people this year. I wanted to share a few new friends who touched my life in special ways.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scottstabile.com/" target="_blank">Scott Stabile </a>was the "morning motivator" who helped us gain some focus, before running off to our classrooms. He is one of the most compassionate, gentle humans I have ever met. I loved just hearing him speak, bringing a fresh, kind perspective to life. He has a wonderful book out titled <b>"just love"</b> - which really says it all.....Beautiful inspiration!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mJneczoPKw7N9k8qwS_-VUrYPQmSwSDNEaiZBPly3A1ed4i8U0OBscPKAFPwSbnPPez_UdEUCDUfngcwVYtKlLlYdu1yV0r1KK8Otlaxz1dFQuny4_J12f1sW9YpQMyAQMcl70i483iR/s1600/downloads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mJneczoPKw7N9k8qwS_-VUrYPQmSwSDNEaiZBPly3A1ed4i8U0OBscPKAFPwSbnPPez_UdEUCDUfngcwVYtKlLlYdu1yV0r1KK8Otlaxz1dFQuny4_J12f1sW9YpQMyAQMcl70i483iR/s320/downloads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.watadastudios.com/" target="_blank">Julia Watada</a> a talented jewlery and doll maker. In conversation we found out we both had a common interest as teddy bear artists in the past. It was so fun to find an unexpected connection!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGnbGa3sJ-mSTFdF8hoc_TmFsmxkEmg01V1ZoDl411hlCQ0a-nHRZdJ5eV1hYg-ECoNoB-vl56-rwbPM9zSvMQZSG2sxerQixaxMJlwjB8Z_RLtkRCn3adFRcuBeuWa_eeo4Lhkb9_1NM/s1600/a9aa0ee9efa9d43fc11346a8d0273c2c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYGnbGa3sJ-mSTFdF8hoc_TmFsmxkEmg01V1ZoDl411hlCQ0a-nHRZdJ5eV1hYg-ECoNoB-vl56-rwbPM9zSvMQZSG2sxerQixaxMJlwjB8Z_RLtkRCn3adFRcuBeuWa_eeo4Lhkb9_1NM/s320/a9aa0ee9efa9d43fc11346a8d0273c2c.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://charitywings.org/missionstory/" target="_blank">Elena Lai Etcheverry is the founder of Charity Wings Art and Craft Center, </a>in San Marcos, California, my old stomping ground. Elena is a woman of many talents and passionate about giving the gift of art to all. She definitely inspired me to get involved and give back to others the joy that creating has given me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHxu4dzuTUg39uFKbqZSZInehSb6ktWqyWZte9sK0pDTsz2BIbW5keQFllEDeUrSA0f3W50Y9VdEuj145chxf57as1QOLnA2rjD7qQm0hhNygB6CsofxmRrC_umTlLeotgU8QqFe1ZN8-/s1600/artcenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHxu4dzuTUg39uFKbqZSZInehSb6ktWqyWZte9sK0pDTsz2BIbW5keQFllEDeUrSA0f3W50Y9VdEuj145chxf57as1QOLnA2rjD7qQm0hhNygB6CsofxmRrC_umTlLeotgU8QqFe1ZN8-/s400/artcenter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last, but not least, my students provided such memorable experiences. It is always a wonder to see where other creative people will take your class idea. I was blessed with some amazing artists and learned so much from each one of them. Here is a sample of their work:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX0zrDU0RQzAkjQtv644PM4r6VB1MlYg_oab0pa65i9M6UFxs8chhBsT-B-ICeNv4gvWX0RNO9jXLPlwex8bWHXsZLz-wZ1SAubudJJ7-UwIEQ4AxyVJaJbsHUSUj9GcsHpkZFMfGGGYY/s1600/IMG_4953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihX0zrDU0RQzAkjQtv644PM4r6VB1MlYg_oab0pa65i9M6UFxs8chhBsT-B-ICeNv4gvWX0RNO9jXLPlwex8bWHXsZLz-wZ1SAubudJJ7-UwIEQ4AxyVJaJbsHUSUj9GcsHpkZFMfGGGYY/s320/IMG_4953.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd80dvpctdenBjokG2kB6dGCvpWYtE6jfMY81d3-db2FIHWzGnE5u2LRV15AnCpX_XsAAhnR2EQajZC5M6b1LiOaG8omyYXVI-PCsT54w_iTjF1ejkTdWLWuegnb5FrUZNNGIxhHZv0LVI/s1600/IMG_4926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd80dvpctdenBjokG2kB6dGCvpWYtE6jfMY81d3-db2FIHWzGnE5u2LRV15AnCpX_XsAAhnR2EQajZC5M6b1LiOaG8omyYXVI-PCsT54w_iTjF1ejkTdWLWuegnb5FrUZNNGIxhHZv0LVI/s320/IMG_4926.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3gSRwuQEUxNlO5FsRkUsFbQii2PZinCePF5emeu_JHeSY6a2Ud91KOHvCvyV8yR9FBA5p40_E5P5DHqIpMr-gL-891xyGLy9Oe335nK3fa-T6Xexp2TdVBv6J87AD09K3Jq1NGQ0C8o4/s1600/IMG_4932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3gSRwuQEUxNlO5FsRkUsFbQii2PZinCePF5emeu_JHeSY6a2Ud91KOHvCvyV8yR9FBA5p40_E5P5DHqIpMr-gL-891xyGLy9Oe335nK3fa-T6Xexp2TdVBv6J87AD09K3Jq1NGQ0C8o4/s320/IMG_4932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC6_sdq1sjB6ZUnWd75La9kLZBUhxESBHar3bEItT4Ywib13iJQNTzKDH7LyTnF6PsMVz2jI8xN7R6OqPowxhihl4Fqw07sKtfuYT8zQAyJeTfYIO0PYJM8T4eoQQIcQUq_Yju-4BuNsC/s1600/IMG_4935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC6_sdq1sjB6ZUnWd75La9kLZBUhxESBHar3bEItT4Ywib13iJQNTzKDH7LyTnF6PsMVz2jI8xN7R6OqPowxhihl4Fqw07sKtfuYT8zQAyJeTfYIO0PYJM8T4eoQQIcQUq_Yju-4BuNsC/s320/IMG_4935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-yvb9boJACGDtkO8l86yq7sWucSbty7IBzgTLIymyUuwjc0ot72k5MUeTKkREjUPtiOEwtP_Rx76u0a1h4qmfbZ-GIZD-7fewBQs4pmBCilcYA6V1muySUzgN50jlC46BQabFubmsUKy/s1600/IMG_4937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-yvb9boJACGDtkO8l86yq7sWucSbty7IBzgTLIymyUuwjc0ot72k5MUeTKkREjUPtiOEwtP_Rx76u0a1h4qmfbZ-GIZD-7fewBQs4pmBCilcYA6V1muySUzgN50jlC46BQabFubmsUKy/s320/IMG_4937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRAor3PB5gOZtEadgxollD7x7uDEKwhHldsBPCi1BdTyYcU0GKyjqhhITglNReqyQBhXLnDivgvWspGegp5Z_vq6mOkcD9HDcbFi5wkF2s0dqccQwY_I1BC8nWjQ6d5BrmoemgDhuN5Q4/s1600/IMG_4939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiRAor3PB5gOZtEadgxollD7x7uDEKwhHldsBPCi1BdTyYcU0GKyjqhhITglNReqyQBhXLnDivgvWspGegp5Z_vq6mOkcD9HDcbFi5wkF2s0dqccQwY_I1BC8nWjQ6d5BrmoemgDhuN5Q4/s320/IMG_4939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJtU62KVpps4DuCdcaztvFoV5alpXtYNHk_90aU0n3wvsP9NZFtEGEteqsZa7o8snDf-oNxk6Mi_FulpS6TF99gu_BEmpmqX6DedhonTyM3Ma5faEwlScv1myuy7GvmEcL_SRuLkKG1qC/s1600/IMG_4941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWJtU62KVpps4DuCdcaztvFoV5alpXtYNHk_90aU0n3wvsP9NZFtEGEteqsZa7o8snDf-oNxk6Mi_FulpS6TF99gu_BEmpmqX6DedhonTyM3Ma5faEwlScv1myuy7GvmEcL_SRuLkKG1qC/s320/IMG_4941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you will consider attending an art retreat in the future, You will receive much more than new art skills!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Blessings,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Karen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-41379719973683836522016-03-18T15:35:00.000-07:002016-03-18T16:09:21.523-07:00What's NextI am one of those folks who needs a plan. Since my book was finished, I have been wandering around creatively. Playing is really important to finding your way and wandering is part of that process.<br />
I have dived into exploring watercolor - supplies I have on hand that are under-used.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNaHurCLIT_Wz8con1xCMa_OFO2hLQMqgqDVZYnwGZsCbqFaQfqWRyi7vdr_w43SAFoGzBFUbcB5Fdvjbjf_3R-jmQBpPpfYSTbHzsdDO4DWYEjj9EoG67ybhUsML7-9GOlWTJGbYT_0H/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNaHurCLIT_Wz8con1xCMa_OFO2hLQMqgqDVZYnwGZsCbqFaQfqWRyi7vdr_w43SAFoGzBFUbcB5Fdvjbjf_3R-jmQBpPpfYSTbHzsdDO4DWYEjj9EoG67ybhUsML7-9GOlWTJGbYT_0H/s400/IMG_4768.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Figuring out what I actually own was fun.</span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgm64o8jchnd5HILs9X9x5QITROkiJdFeFU5ZuUThV74G7VyPERHsISrBmW2iaQeS2sCi4jCcEa_NVBp0eWEoZl0j6CRWYp7OYWJ446PE1d-cJgv0qFV01ulvkiTcJdUgtx615ZSMV8ZY/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgm64o8jchnd5HILs9X9x5QITROkiJdFeFU5ZuUThV74G7VyPERHsISrBmW2iaQeS2sCi4jCcEa_NVBp0eWEoZl0j6CRWYp7OYWJ446PE1d-cJgv0qFV01ulvkiTcJdUgtx615ZSMV8ZY/s400/IMG_4773.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Just laying down colors and seeing what looks good. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6f64WBypPGP7FRkZOuaLdSrEpUnRFfOIgpq4ojQlaK-gIVbNtZdOY4iYlAn-iU5M3T04xXI6veQyYKDuX0y324dqEPBCZI7elpuhWn26C1xcDjdCGbfTI3AD35DhFnispHY_nY5x1LD6D/s1600/IMG_4770t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6f64WBypPGP7FRkZOuaLdSrEpUnRFfOIgpq4ojQlaK-gIVbNtZdOY4iYlAn-iU5M3T04xXI6veQyYKDuX0y324dqEPBCZI7elpuhWn26C1xcDjdCGbfTI3AD35DhFnispHY_nY5x1LD6D/s400/IMG_4770t.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">Doing my search for a character shape. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I will be teaching a wonderful class on how to create a doll and then create a painting with the doll as an inspiration for Art-Is-You, Santa Rosa, April 13-15. There is still time to sign up!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUgXbonRozSyoHrkMps4gYZ9BB9uVRlned1O1LDHPKn3vgy_Y5-Bv9wnnRiw1T-_j1nisH-QRiSzmYXOUwJMmdmDabMu8oRIMReRmUbTciWuP_eQTsHqyZQhTqvK6wA-qOL6cH_TW6duF/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUgXbonRozSyoHrkMps4gYZ9BB9uVRlned1O1LDHPKn3vgy_Y5-Bv9wnnRiw1T-_j1nisH-QRiSzmYXOUwJMmdmDabMu8oRIMReRmUbTciWuP_eQTsHqyZQhTqvK6wA-qOL6cH_TW6duF/s320/IMG_4037.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I love this class because it invites me to use fabric as well as all my other mixed media tools.</span></div>
<br />
By working on these two things at the same time, a lightbulb went off. Why not reverse the process. Paint a painting with a character of unusual shape and turn that shape into a doll. Use watercolor and watercolor pencils to finish the doll out!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYI1eCktOvFU1F1Fpod88nht4QzhBEcmndLou3Q3bjFBmxmaaGqDNoKogBgXltL97LMHuWQCS-c7NWxsGaYg2U4gMYx8rP6zYiq-LuhyHOaF6ahgz1B6J4ax6VM9g1vK1N5QPGD8Ls9HH/s1600/IMG_4662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLYI1eCktOvFU1F1Fpod88nht4QzhBEcmndLou3Q3bjFBmxmaaGqDNoKogBgXltL97LMHuWQCS-c7NWxsGaYg2U4gMYx8rP6zYiq-LuhyHOaF6ahgz1B6J4ax6VM9g1vK1N5QPGD8Ls9HH/s320/IMG_4662.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQXvdR4NLfWb8iBA00chyphenhyphenmPwxXO388JnjQGqwEHRSTHAA3A4Jcst2zgO39OeETHBYFDkpD39XWikiUUoILIErSi-JVUfl7muDugizN87Q9F5WOIIuH93QFiHBiC0iEel4dr7DazBA99ll/s1600/IMG_4665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQXvdR4NLfWb8iBA00chyphenhyphenmPwxXO388JnjQGqwEHRSTHAA3A4Jcst2zgO39OeETHBYFDkpD39XWikiUUoILIErSi-JVUfl7muDugizN87Q9F5WOIIuH93QFiHBiC0iEel4dr7DazBA99ll/s320/IMG_4665.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
By doing this in a non-traditional order, I was challenged to interpret the shape I had painted in a way that could make a great doll shape. It was not as easy as I thought.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOvjmewVn11Ha0MhF8XGfot7esIbED2aKnfU7r4ZZ_tAh_UTjoJO4R8M5I-K3QP7MMc3bsdKyC-bvkOXvLZ8INjJ26nlHuBMTzcd8vmvpdDSQkUK3TmQgExwF7nLEsnnfxDbcX5rJJtkX/s1600/IMG_4763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOvjmewVn11Ha0MhF8XGfot7esIbED2aKnfU7r4ZZ_tAh_UTjoJO4R8M5I-K3QP7MMc3bsdKyC-bvkOXvLZ8INjJ26nlHuBMTzcd8vmvpdDSQkUK3TmQgExwF7nLEsnnfxDbcX5rJJtkX/s320/IMG_4763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I really enjoyed the process and have 3 more paintings on their way to becoming dimentional.</span></div>
<br />
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-73243977109249082282016-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:002016-01-26T13:30:17.628-08:00Stretching Your Art Self<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We have an art museum in our town, the <a href="http://www.gpmuseum.com/" target="_blank">Grants Pass Museum of Art</a>. It is a bonus, living in a small town, to have this kind of inspirational source. This time of year is our chance to give back to the museum and invest in its continued success. I donate a painting every year for their "Black, White and Blues" event. This year I chose<span style="text-align: center;"> an oil painting I did several years back. It is amazing to see how my faces have changed....</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGxmZXSSYfwrh5L0bIf9vr2B7NGdNaIgMmI0b789_znI-Saz-s_ceIkKYtjGI0K4MioC55lk_Fe-eEINI1RDS4cWnQjso3nlBXHPcwSVySm1p4_CJ8-a0LNtIYvgaQukIwrzJ-vAV0cAz/s1600/j091040springas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGxmZXSSYfwrh5L0bIf9vr2B7NGdNaIgMmI0b789_znI-Saz-s_ceIkKYtjGI0K4MioC55lk_Fe-eEINI1RDS4cWnQjso3nlBXHPcwSVySm1p4_CJ8-a0LNtIYvgaQukIwrzJ-vAV0cAz/s640/j091040springas.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also agreed to "art up" a mirror for the silent auction. I thought I could paint it and that would be it. A week and half later and it is done....best laid plans!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved the mirror and chose it without regard to how difficult it would be to work with a curved, cove style surface.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi489rwE6UVPGL-lFOeEf64A_e3jE7QwIUOozaDCR2uJjhBvgQcsKdCr7ilIdqYumFWuqZVJKRO7nM_u0AXcdyUbrMKn1fPQBYAIPqZKzggrr_R8GI-GybUaYwhuC6ozFy7z78dKxyIDmX9/s1600/a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi489rwE6UVPGL-lFOeEf64A_e3jE7QwIUOozaDCR2uJjhBvgQcsKdCr7ilIdqYumFWuqZVJKRO7nM_u0AXcdyUbrMKn1fPQBYAIPqZKzggrr_R8GI-GybUaYwhuC6ozFy7z78dKxyIDmX9/s320/a.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">As I looked at the frame I thought it would be fun to challenge myself and do more of an assemblage piece. </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUJ17bKi55XhD7FRqubrMYakzkQzmveoLtzozKG23kYOSYAvb3T08ZWgWNgZRcaQtYMCYv6buhLpFj-3apnhFzkRcqQ42uDA5YRtbzAeydfu9G6CAARZyHnyQpWNm-4EgAVR0FmJqc-x_/s1600/b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUJ17bKi55XhD7FRqubrMYakzkQzmveoLtzozKG23kYOSYAvb3T08ZWgWNgZRcaQtYMCYv6buhLpFj-3apnhFzkRcqQ42uDA5YRtbzAeydfu9G6CAARZyHnyQpWNm-4EgAVR0FmJqc-x_/s320/b.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Collage...always pretty safe to start with. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4sFz3yttaLkohhv8mMkTcJijqQcGy1m3pbTgvQzf7WQxFSMDkjZecFCyvMAD1J8KE3Ye6AP-HBNnBwC99OUK2K7XSXFHGsqKEZcEYNpOXgpjI9SdzMdmligBJLKfU0xLlMyxRt1jun5B/s1600/c1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4sFz3yttaLkohhv8mMkTcJijqQcGy1m3pbTgvQzf7WQxFSMDkjZecFCyvMAD1J8KE3Ye6AP-HBNnBwC99OUK2K7XSXFHGsqKEZcEYNpOXgpjI9SdzMdmligBJLKfU0xLlMyxRt1jun5B/s400/c1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had a tin shrine on my work table and thought that would work for the top. I had to figure out how to attach it. My trusty hubby unsoldered the cover and I attached the base with screws. I neede to hide the gap from the curved frame underneath. Out came the moulding paste. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH9ttoGjC3nyI5t7XjQt-pRfcarKBt_PQhFOI4K0U3HSxYqbVDrFadquBHOvtmPLIWJypjpFWPXlsds5VdMjlT4QctrCWnS-rzV8szghVsr6JKnmQx_9sGWWJnt_cTXywntSX5-Pkn1p6/s1600/d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH9ttoGjC3nyI5t7XjQt-pRfcarKBt_PQhFOI4K0U3HSxYqbVDrFadquBHOvtmPLIWJypjpFWPXlsds5VdMjlT4QctrCWnS-rzV8szghVsr6JKnmQx_9sGWWJnt_cTXywntSX5-Pkn1p6/s400/d.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to put moulding paste on almost everything. I had to include the back of the shrine because it will reflect in the mirror. What a mess!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlc79a8LYq8q_gLRG5QecFURhUt3dI0PdQT1iDghxu9_5SlDUDzw-0iSvuSWxs6a5jWu2TGTZgfmQMA6ra5_6CuueF-3ZzYmNJciLqypAzsgvS0hdg5Q0xKBEL8KxAIcofc0dShEu2kE2/s1600/e1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlc79a8LYq8q_gLRG5QecFURhUt3dI0PdQT1iDghxu9_5SlDUDzw-0iSvuSWxs6a5jWu2TGTZgfmQMA6ra5_6CuueF-3ZzYmNJciLqypAzsgvS0hdg5Q0xKBEL8KxAIcofc0dShEu2kE2/s400/e1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My first choice for a face in the box of the tin shrine...too sweet! I was developing a darker theme, sort of Snow White/Rose Red...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-DVHLzQunCeSI7dwrOVJ0Y7WjnccCS3tPiC8CPQ2Xecn7fQ7wE7DWOEVdKYkzWFqZ14tZmzmPmSULRCR0GdPKmg08viyXYBwXjBN9FqHfheVan16B3cER8R0jHchrRC2r_dTIyXARLJu/s1600/e2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF-DVHLzQunCeSI7dwrOVJ0Y7WjnccCS3tPiC8CPQ2Xecn7fQ7wE7DWOEVdKYkzWFqZ14tZmzmPmSULRCR0GdPKmg08viyXYBwXjBN9FqHfheVan16B3cER8R0jHchrRC2r_dTIyXARLJu/s400/e2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided I liked the more sinister face instead.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqmmX85z0JnB7Q4HsFlSMSKmUGxQFsBkiAnpT22ZzslvzmvxRByT0hTqlggvgOB5Txa4f0JQavYclpePTeqkNtKPmWzMd9LI6y5lp9bjapbPG_nRpN5X54WrCN7IPdgnwn3q-5xzA9Dy/s1600/f5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcqmmX85z0JnB7Q4HsFlSMSKmUGxQFsBkiAnpT22ZzslvzmvxRByT0hTqlggvgOB5Txa4f0JQavYclpePTeqkNtKPmWzMd9LI6y5lp9bjapbPG_nRpN5X54WrCN7IPdgnwn3q-5xzA9Dy/s400/f5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made an apple out of paper clay and inserted a doll's eye, stem and leaf with text on it. I thought the mini grapevine would help to hide the glue and fill in that darn cove!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNewqQNcxki-HnScMEmyxEBmoD94Hv5CzBX12WfjAzMpSijHQkOHyPZT_yfi92KbDGjIbCclGdKiLpCfeIR5EdY41QLzjGIIxwg-682FhbZHsYVJ8OEVvbbOIc1UYAEd9E2n9mhGFm6DD/s1600/f3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNewqQNcxki-HnScMEmyxEBmoD94Hv5CzBX12WfjAzMpSijHQkOHyPZT_yfi92KbDGjIbCclGdKiLpCfeIR5EdY41QLzjGIIxwg-682FhbZHsYVJ8OEVvbbOIc1UYAEd9E2n9mhGFm6DD/s400/f3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made some roses out of polymer clay. I liked how they turned out, but they are fragile. This is what happens when you don't really know what you are doing. I plan to find a book on how to make more stable clay items after this is done. The roses are wrapped with some leaves I had with text printed on them. I painted them with clear gesso to make them stiffer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6pd1WGTri-LYzWzVmvmwOmITDRd2vsjSrOQgzPBzfaLt67zoLE67qk88PccTyNChM_mKM0hHiHB4GXSYiuqmSjOxD5CdX5GcrDTyIVIsniAOkPv8dF7fA4mN0UiudIQaLVAaUwaGsfHG/s1600/e.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6pd1WGTri-LYzWzVmvmwOmITDRd2vsjSrOQgzPBzfaLt67zoLE67qk88PccTyNChM_mKM0hHiHB4GXSYiuqmSjOxD5CdX5GcrDTyIVIsniAOkPv8dF7fA4mN0UiudIQaLVAaUwaGsfHG/s400/e.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I painted the whole thing white and figured out the layout.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6OpaJ4pkZ6rKnGFX8Erhdsf1jXCdvk4Vni1Ub-nvYzMW6xD6NrwJhXdcD_aMoaxHdmXXAVrW9TgJIZLwIIjuYp00No4j-Bv_JDIiWagjaQ4D1G8O8K8CdhIQkYgamkssCbm0yxgUgIzZ/s1600/f1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd6OpaJ4pkZ6rKnGFX8Erhdsf1jXCdvk4Vni1Ub-nvYzMW6xD6NrwJhXdcD_aMoaxHdmXXAVrW9TgJIZLwIIjuYp00No4j-Bv_JDIiWagjaQ4D1G8O8K8CdhIQkYgamkssCbm0yxgUgIzZ/s400/f1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found some vintage roses and collaged them onto the front of the shrine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hzPROExfxc7LoPHGSw_AAUo1KFFn294747TBCZXZWUriHG-ZDKgtzPT9B_Y47ZKfPscbUXh6kvhNUOTZKAh4mKMNprNbIjsZ85oZlWwUQkIt_sJA-EDyC_62qqcEEmDgqFUfkds6LehF/s1600/f2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8hzPROExfxc7LoPHGSw_AAUo1KFFn294747TBCZXZWUriHG-ZDKgtzPT9B_Y47ZKfPscbUXh6kvhNUOTZKAh4mKMNprNbIjsZ85oZlWwUQkIt_sJA-EDyC_62qqcEEmDgqFUfkds6LehF/s400/f2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I burnt some pages of "Snow-White and Rose Red" and added those to the inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPs-IPbFjpXJVVQuQQYyx8Uvz1AqxoQvk2dddmdHy2owHMf6_ndwn6pOxyERF6JnaR8JOB5qsxH7E3UKepvxwgRoSigGcsajgacMYX-QP2tWoY-4c_0x1E3lzVj8tTY_TpqQdNhFHkjQA/s1600/g5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPs-IPbFjpXJVVQuQQYyx8Uvz1AqxoQvk2dddmdHy2owHMf6_ndwn6pOxyERF6JnaR8JOB5qsxH7E3UKepvxwgRoSigGcsajgacMYX-QP2tWoY-4c_0x1E3lzVj8tTY_TpqQdNhFHkjQA/s400/g5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used grapevines for the rose stems and nailed those onto the frame. I soaked them in water to prevent them from splitting when nailed and wrapped them in wire to form the curves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once that was done I was lost in the painting process. Many layers of colors and dry brushing with white until I liked it. Of course I was in the zone and did not get progress pics....someday I will figure out how to capture that part. Time lapse maybe?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg2t7Rvw-IDmm046bO4zPjlyVJoQ2APtK7N3mPnS6XQqGAQ2I2yLYXUC40JQxaazwLqfbp6IWh_xBEpFt-NQFtO2Ldz5zjeB46Kvndnta1H955XdtJ7RnuKf9ZbGz-iG8HJqEyQXMkfvv/s1600/g6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg2t7Rvw-IDmm046bO4zPjlyVJoQ2APtK7N3mPnS6XQqGAQ2I2yLYXUC40JQxaazwLqfbp6IWh_xBEpFt-NQFtO2Ldz5zjeB46Kvndnta1H955XdtJ7RnuKf9ZbGz-iG8HJqEyQXMkfvv/s400/g6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love how all that moulding paste looks like old wood. Adding a little drippy red to the red rose side.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRnGiqodGlORpe8hegVmQ7mV1bRXteWmJ-hKoVgFOs0ODkhBjq_Yf7LsgS24jJ8lZEgsxLaZnI6vRpj7l4TJC818nGDiyDOLgw_rRQctI9htNzwLGNProAkTSymmsMISN0GdF0PPTskWo/s1600/g8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRnGiqodGlORpe8hegVmQ7mV1bRXteWmJ-hKoVgFOs0ODkhBjq_Yf7LsgS24jJ8lZEgsxLaZnI6vRpj7l4TJC818nGDiyDOLgw_rRQctI9htNzwLGNProAkTSymmsMISN0GdF0PPTskWo/s400/g8.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"White" rose...I attached the roses to the frame with liquid nails and wire wrapped around the grapevines.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m0318hJUADBOcu5oSMovV9foTOMhukwq0Concd29NaGK4NRIjSrm-qUYQzmoPVOc2QWFhCtGZuSYBnZjznzOU7Sa8oRQxPmUYy54dKVuTVjlOp8AQOArCg5H3UqGEiNgJXz6U6IOAkIx/s1600/h4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8m0318hJUADBOcu5oSMovV9foTOMhukwq0Concd29NaGK4NRIjSrm-qUYQzmoPVOc2QWFhCtGZuSYBnZjznzOU7Sa8oRQxPmUYy54dKVuTVjlOp8AQOArCg5H3UqGEiNgJXz6U6IOAkIx/s400/h4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shrine closed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXxiw368rYcL69m1BiOxdiyFCJ0RFAzHYmVBGlaYzZdFQ4NWR0ebUhlKyHfvK3ni5pybyVJei43SCsXsktjmecpv35z1toYT8Icrhw51Dt6CM5oWocarSwmkyP9Z3avMx0wKG3zePvWHe/s1600/h5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyXxiw368rYcL69m1BiOxdiyFCJ0RFAzHYmVBGlaYzZdFQ4NWR0ebUhlKyHfvK3ni5pybyVJei43SCsXsktjmecpv35z1toYT8Icrhw51Dt6CM5oWocarSwmkyP9Z3avMx0wKG3zePvWHe/s400/h5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shrine Open...I used color pencil to add more definition to the face.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6D-8PKmhI3Q_4cX-yAarV4y6fu8nAGd2R6HMaYfi8N0A0m4jpPKvKfCL05SkmLiZjTx5i629nDPIleBd-StWYyRE6hMJC3gpCLMwrTfcIJpd3Ed1Ct67wc-qTF2ygdk5pzkh-nSRhbgt/s1600/h.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6D-8PKmhI3Q_4cX-yAarV4y6fu8nAGd2R6HMaYfi8N0A0m4jpPKvKfCL05SkmLiZjTx5i629nDPIleBd-StWYyRE6hMJC3gpCLMwrTfcIJpd3Ed1Ct67wc-qTF2ygdk5pzkh-nSRhbgt/s400/h.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Serious clamping job to glue top of shrine onto the box...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVST8XTYUPzXIe5v5uk0cVEwHao4nFINSmRgRu6WWx-aNSzorJoI9YtTxnyg158ZBZijfUWOs18hFBwL-uBTz6u7jrlyHhMRn9P1tGNd_eEzQMIAKc_AND5VWjM5J90h1M0Yapp-Vsq6sz/s1600/xfinish+closed1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVST8XTYUPzXIe5v5uk0cVEwHao4nFINSmRgRu6WWx-aNSzorJoI9YtTxnyg158ZBZijfUWOs18hFBwL-uBTz6u7jrlyHhMRn9P1tGNd_eEzQMIAKc_AND5VWjM5J90h1M0Yapp-Vsq6sz/s640/xfinish+closed1s.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finished frame with shrine closed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkh3MirA8xQdtDso-RIV5QsiJX6Kac-cQhbpiA_7lReyVkpwbufK8tfPh3ryQ-68cx5-NvaEVEvqsg6231bpDmVbOXq83AqwN8buo5Qv7ZiqNP2nRp-pQqcRkRvhD1kr1WNqqLnPjcxDM/s1600/xfinish+open1s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRkh3MirA8xQdtDso-RIV5QsiJX6Kac-cQhbpiA_7lReyVkpwbufK8tfPh3ryQ-68cx5-NvaEVEvqsg6231bpDmVbOXq83AqwN8buo5Qv7ZiqNP2nRp-pQqcRkRvhD1kr1WNqqLnPjcxDM/s640/xfinish+open1s.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The finished frame whith the shrine doors open.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This project really did stretch my creative muscles. I learned alot and realized the joy that can be had problem solving. This project proves my theory of art making: Always say yes and figure it out as you go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq7VAqGadUEwQJYQZSL6VySqy_99qJbgBLMpq5wsY0I0oEPs8G2NSl5owq5Pfiw_q__koJcz2PAu-zN3dxWUiZFbQm2RkyOvIZo7r7NuMeXpFU7sgl6q9LRK559i6oegNHF0x60aigMNS/s1600/wmirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLq7VAqGadUEwQJYQZSL6VySqy_99qJbgBLMpq5wsY0I0oEPs8G2NSl5owq5Pfiw_q__koJcz2PAu-zN3dxWUiZFbQm2RkyOvIZo7r7NuMeXpFU7sgl6q9LRK559i6oegNHF0x60aigMNS/s640/wmirror.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If you are in the Southern Oregon area, I will see you at the Black, White and Blues Art Auction and Gala Event.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">February 13, 2016</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">This piece could be yours!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-57527730120723017262015-12-29T16:04:00.001-08:002015-12-29T16:04:31.743-08:00Atom Journal Page #21While on vacation I was able to complete a journal page. I tried to take photos as I went. As usual, there comes a point where I am lost in the process and am missing a few steps, but I think you can still get an idea of the progress. I use old books for my journals and adopt part or all of the original title for each journal. I number the pages before I start to work. This makes it easier to organize the digital files of my finished pages.<br />
<br />
I began on a page in the journal that was prepped with random collage and a coat of Golden Absorbent Ground. The ground allows me to use watercolor on the collage surface.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbJy75diPFp84HnKTHiSQ50Cg-47cXj9YYoK0CeS86WggPpLmYLPeMBPKFGBKUDsOvIkjm5jgOXJxBpS9R_NsEjI1H1G8L6-KVoS3kvlRScWaO75pQtGFEjwi3MOcFam06CHFi3KTLI0H/s1600/IMG_4489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBbJy75diPFp84HnKTHiSQ50Cg-47cXj9YYoK0CeS86WggPpLmYLPeMBPKFGBKUDsOvIkjm5jgOXJxBpS9R_NsEjI1H1G8L6-KVoS3kvlRScWaO75pQtGFEjwi3MOcFam06CHFi3KTLI0H/s400/IMG_4489.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"> I a</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">dded a face from my random "character file" - a folder of faces I have roughly drawn on various papers with different media. <br />This one was an ink and watercolor pencil sketch on gessoed red rosin paper.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywF2aMaGMHBuJzLH8-C_5KJXc4TF8hI_SO_cL3HkLqHaX7CqvG2FUXNX5HicLeKEY95YOBb34GRlb93tk9nTPK7FpzEUOipIqxBj6toxwCmVHULF088pi0Vzt17GEyMHbWCuvDaVDxp2N/s1600/IMG_4488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywF2aMaGMHBuJzLH8-C_5KJXc4TF8hI_SO_cL3HkLqHaX7CqvG2FUXNX5HicLeKEY95YOBb34GRlb93tk9nTPK7FpzEUOipIqxBj6toxwCmVHULF088pi0Vzt17GEyMHbWCuvDaVDxp2N/s400/IMG_4488.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">I used the collage as a guide for the body placement and shape. <br />A dog was added to give my character something to do!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-ARRJXMxvJc2MNe4aaUCugvqmZKgVUxL0y4u90hPKm79v7TMyNtvMqO8AgtRm3StfFJpUOBl4cmBbnV11uvl6Pzr3QXpWEdHh_rwdoRrXgRXPuJZZ_a3yyMjgI2CkaVreWRNtP4jFMGx/s1600/IMG_4490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-ARRJXMxvJc2MNe4aaUCugvqmZKgVUxL0y4u90hPKm79v7TMyNtvMqO8AgtRm3StfFJpUOBl4cmBbnV11uvl6Pzr3QXpWEdHh_rwdoRrXgRXPuJZZ_a3yyMjgI2CkaVreWRNtP4jFMGx/s320/IMG_4490.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Vintage magazine legs were added. <br />Don't you just love the shape...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ICNhEYueEBhW0NwEYoEJULh3ec4N3NxTd2M0YqrsKPZOMI6gCdWyQ-FjEAcKv3MpK5NG5Yo-6zlJ08M2ZKqwrseyQLb1qOw7-WtVRYbrB0hpVvHvnh421Vrwfc_Hz1a_PiVSuVq5GEs6/s1600/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ICNhEYueEBhW0NwEYoEJULh3ec4N3NxTd2M0YqrsKPZOMI6gCdWyQ-FjEAcKv3MpK5NG5Yo-6zlJ08M2ZKqwrseyQLb1qOw7-WtVRYbrB0hpVvHvnh421Vrwfc_Hz1a_PiVSuVq5GEs6/s400/IMG_4491.JPG" width="300" /></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I outlined the entire character and dog with watercolor pencil and started to blend it with matte medium.</span><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeJH82JjPKWsvw4QKC2M9KIpwU41fU_OObY5IopzkgnhmE0ICHw8p0Rq6HsOSpDjxyMZaVSXUeqW2npGscno7u-meMaSAE7124_FnhmEGn4BAEKZWv8CmVNf9R_Xu_b6Rtpq1Bboae-Iw/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeJH82JjPKWsvw4QKC2M9KIpwU41fU_OObY5IopzkgnhmE0ICHw8p0Rq6HsOSpDjxyMZaVSXUeqW2npGscno7u-meMaSAE7124_FnhmEGn4BAEKZWv8CmVNf9R_Xu_b6Rtpq1Bboae-Iw/s400/IMG_4492.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is the part where I get involved and forget to take photos. <br />I added color with pencils and pan watercolor. I always work on top of the added collage to make the character seamless. I used heavy body Titanium White acrylic for the highlights.<br />I used a Sharpie white water based paint pen to add some accents and flowers.</span><br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qkPjQFv1TcOQ5lhyg4Vj9kbJkdLNNRsyM-g3k49UYXZNz40WfRVmtIP-EPvHZf8Lq_RV26KaRS_FVOy9eNn3FnWLti0ozE3eq3CwkcGXpmGGvaR4V13Y7FrSZ2gWto2XkLDfOyh_qrPV/s1600/IMG_4494+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2qkPjQFv1TcOQ5lhyg4Vj9kbJkdLNNRsyM-g3k49UYXZNz40WfRVmtIP-EPvHZf8Lq_RV26KaRS_FVOy9eNn3FnWLti0ozE3eq3CwkcGXpmGGvaR4V13Y7FrSZ2gWto2XkLDfOyh_qrPV/s400/IMG_4494+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I used a muted yellow watercolor for the background and added a bit more blue and red to the flowers to make them stand out. <br />The wings on the dog were made with a rubber stamp loaded with fairly dry watercolor. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRbW0qydr-OFAgh4ajJAvJw3DxXngOxKRjRRs8-Eb3RwS5ZZwGHkddxLRB6BHz3Vgczk_4Jr2yrLM9NfQgBuDp-r69uMbpiNz8cS7xoq0QYG5ewNkSt3JKdKCCEMaldClNarE8_jnvF-D/s1600/atom21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRbW0qydr-OFAgh4ajJAvJw3DxXngOxKRjRRs8-Eb3RwS5ZZwGHkddxLRB6BHz3Vgczk_4Jr2yrLM9NfQgBuDp-r69uMbpiNz8cS7xoq0QYG5ewNkSt3JKdKCCEMaldClNarE8_jnvF-D/s640/atom21.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A few accents added to the doggie wings with pencil. More white pen around the flowers.<br /> Page 21 of the Atom Journal is done.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ex2zG5Gp9a6fZLxoTVRaMnnUYN2dgDOtzjl2TSQfTUzcr9zA64d5AuJxsifCwPP-UNirc2lYS8TBqfIEobkY56FaaB2ayN-r5w7PqHktb232ZAhVNg8F9jke3BEHK0etun8sq3JBqEbm/s1600/IMG_4511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ex2zG5Gp9a6fZLxoTVRaMnnUYN2dgDOtzjl2TSQfTUzcr9zA64d5AuJxsifCwPP-UNirc2lYS8TBqfIEobkY56FaaB2ayN-r5w7PqHktb232ZAhVNg8F9jke3BEHK0etun8sq3JBqEbm/s400/IMG_4511.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A little San Diego Zoo cuteness! A new baby giraffe. <br />This photo shows how much growing he has to do...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfdpqebvLps9uYSv7s6VbjSN9uwsLEYnAyNgBLcFl2lRbp7UHQsyaHZdJuQLlRDeJJP_o6Hg3wpPgVCFeaTB43sgFWHvX7IqBg03nlaGsj2bFbSKunEuBhkhcoxch-63RzYilyxz4iQEB/s1600/IMG_4527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfdpqebvLps9uYSv7s6VbjSN9uwsLEYnAyNgBLcFl2lRbp7UHQsyaHZdJuQLlRDeJJP_o6Hg3wpPgVCFeaTB43sgFWHvX7IqBg03nlaGsj2bFbSKunEuBhkhcoxch-63RzYilyxz4iQEB/s320/IMG_4527.jpg" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">The Meerkats and I wish you a Happy New Year!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-2023004861836316952015-12-05T15:57:00.001-08:002015-12-05T15:57:15.028-08:00Artmaking: A Creative Vocation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1H0BNrwQSE_jW92_86lIiAhFupDxd_9jD-EMUsZ4fcVuDcXWQBqE7x0yjn5om5lhg8f3nz7P1vIIbl4ZZkjR8_JN1IdvchcEaTDAIgRgG-DUcLMs6UNL432Edq1fl0bCLMWyAR1P-UjB/s1600/IMG_3587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_1H0BNrwQSE_jW92_86lIiAhFupDxd_9jD-EMUsZ4fcVuDcXWQBqE7x0yjn5om5lhg8f3nz7P1vIIbl4ZZkjR8_JN1IdvchcEaTDAIgRgG-DUcLMs6UNL432Edq1fl0bCLMWyAR1P-UjB/s400/IMG_3587.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I recently took part in a local high school mentor program where working artists meet with students interested in persuing Art as a career. I looked up the meaning of "career" because it did not feel right to me. I really think that "vocation" is a better description of the life of an artist. <b><i>Vocation</i> </b>is defined as: a strong feeling of being destined or called to undertake a specifice type of work. Artmaking is not a 9-5 job, it is a lifestyle. I am compelled to create something...anything, otherwise I get cranky! So my "vocation" is to do whatever it takes to be able to continue to create.<br />
<br />
In light of my personal definition of life as an artist, I decided not talk about different careers in Art - leave that to school counselors. Instead, I focused on general things that have helped me as a working artist. It was a fun experience and I decided to jot down some of the things I shared after the meeting. After looking at the list, I thought it would be fun to share it on the blog. Here it goes:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Practice saying "I
am an Artist." </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">If you don't
believe, no one else will.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Design your own
educational path. It does not have to be all formal classroom education.
Experience is a great teacher.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Always say
"YES" and figure it out later. All my best experiences and
connections have occured when I said "yes" to something out of my
comfort zone.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Practice, practice,
practice - it takes WORK to be really good at what you do.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Keep a sketchbook to
document your process. Record what inspires you, try out tools, ideas, what
works and what does not. Consider them a resource and a record of your personal
journey.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Work toward developing
your own style by your choices in subjects, colors, materials and
their application. Use an inspiration board</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">
</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">to help you figure out what your are really interested in and
re-evaluate periodically, as your tastes and interests will evolve. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Get feedback and
support. Bring your sketchbook with you everywhere. You never know when you
will have a chance to get feedback on what you are doing. Choose a safe
audience - family and friends to gather support.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Post your pictures on
social media when you are ready. Pinterest and Instagram are a great place to
start.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Allow yourself to be
curious and keep asking WHAT IF?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Participate in a
collaborative projects, enter competitions, submit artwork to the publications
that interest you. Rejection is a necessary evil of a creative
career, so create some positive self talk to get through the tough spots.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Find your
"People." Not everyone will like what you do, so keep pushing your
art out until you find the folks who "get" your work.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">My favorite reading list
for a creative life are:</span></li>
</ol>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Art and Fear -
Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking,</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> by David Bayles
and Ted Orland<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Steal Like an Artist</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">, by Austin Kleon</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Big Magic</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%; text-indent: -0.25in;"> by Elizabeth
Gilbert</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ejsGiAudzqLgS92Wsk2EzevsbzynaB_d11gzZtMPPHhLYID4MsPDRbgpJxQF739RIzvCwU8L6zQBrf5i4LLvl1pGymknkVkXl-kUzdW3SRwunnSdYDI3QFvh9-zIu-iDDzv1qszdEHqx/s1600/kobrienartjournals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ejsGiAudzqLgS92Wsk2EzevsbzynaB_d11gzZtMPPHhLYID4MsPDRbgpJxQF739RIzvCwU8L6zQBrf5i4LLvl1pGymknkVkXl-kUzdW3SRwunnSdYDI3QFvh9-zIu-iDDzv1qszdEHqx/s400/kobrienartjournals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-90941987996176901942015-10-16T10:44:00.002-07:002015-10-17T14:01:32.296-07:00Museum LoveI just returned from my first trip to New York City, after teaching at <a href="http://www.eatcakecreate.com/art-is-santa-rosa-the-mixed-media-art-experience-for-2016/karen-obrien-paint-primer-on-primitive/" target="_blank">Art Is You, Stamford, CT</a>.<br />
<br />
When I travel I make it a point to go to as many museums as possible. We only had 4 days, so I dragged my hubby all over New York to see the top museums on my list.<br />
<br />
The first was the <a href="http://www.themorgan.org/exhibitions/past" target="_blank">Morgan Library,</a> historic private library of Pierpont Morgan, which includes 3 Guttenburg Bibles and stacks of rare books. They also have rotating exhibits and I was lucky enough to catch "Alice: 150 Years of Wonderland." I saw early writings and drawings of the author Lewis Carroll (Charles Dodson) and the illustrator John Tenniel. I loved seeing the drawings from concept to final illustration.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxttYR6W7bXPvKoojVmjepJP_ESnFKuMhEG_9FIqPCWHQfpRHYBq-YB3xmAwHDXea5FqLPceOUXNyCjrQBhhhow-h1e19R1dFAOBOjE9yZosY05b4kQQgm5heeQGEOOZpc3EsEid3PbUe/s1600/Blue_Catterpillar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxttYR6W7bXPvKoojVmjepJP_ESnFKuMhEG_9FIqPCWHQfpRHYBq-YB3xmAwHDXea5FqLPceOUXNyCjrQBhhhow-h1e19R1dFAOBOjE9yZosY05b4kQQgm5heeQGEOOZpc3EsEid3PbUe/s400/Blue_Catterpillar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The next museum on the list was the <a href="http://www.metmuseum.org/" target="_blank">Metropolitan Museum of Art</a>. I found the museum overwhelming, it is so large. The collections are amazing, but you really have to limit what to see. My favorite gallery was filled with medieval statues, stained glass and icons.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALb2nIr7qkyyNlThYr2g64pLg_1ugdjz14VCH3bdLTBZTeNhLoFrGKAPxzgUnKu-rNL-DLWaR6C4ngJtNAIlviaC3-GFakNgMJJ2ElF65Ml2O7z_HyGnRV443K4hETf-DbeR0O7hpaX-m/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALb2nIr7qkyyNlThYr2g64pLg_1ugdjz14VCH3bdLTBZTeNhLoFrGKAPxzgUnKu-rNL-DLWaR6C4ngJtNAIlviaC3-GFakNgMJJ2ElF65Ml2O7z_HyGnRV443K4hETf-DbeR0O7hpaX-m/s400/IMG_4285.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://folkartmuseum.org/exhibitions/" target="_blank">American Folk Art museum</a> is very small, but had a wonderful exhibit of "Art Brut,"a term coined by French artist Jean DeBuffet. Raw art by untrained artists from the 50's and 60's. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3owxJ3u3zKgDNhmABb40u2x4yrGWPCmtMgyEnFOX_ifWuEO6_ZKOqU9idknBVl4bH4NY48p4c0i_otnhzkPBgNyypyqaUxO49sBe_364X3S67JnaX95vEhcbX08IzAfnFRO-5Me94Z9x/s1600/IMG_4333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3owxJ3u3zKgDNhmABb40u2x4yrGWPCmtMgyEnFOX_ifWuEO6_ZKOqU9idknBVl4bH4NY48p4c0i_otnhzkPBgNyypyqaUxO49sBe_364X3S67JnaX95vEhcbX08IzAfnFRO-5Me94Z9x/s400/IMG_4333.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And last but not least the <a href="http://www.moma.org/visit/exhibitions" target="_blank">MOMA</a> where I saw am amazing exhibit of Picasso's sculptures. Picasso worked with everything from plaster, ceramics, found objects, bronze. Whatever caught his fancy. He learned what he needed then played and pushed the limits of each medium - good advice! One of my favorites was this small assemblage.What you cannot see in the photo is, on the back of the sculpture, he made hair out of twine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZSa_eQKIwCoEhef6QjueuNgXq-JzNkdxP0c9Q7aVl6vims94cv7pRHXb79hwku_eKUxWkpxWVw6xhE2EoOUnF1DM_-EpeoH2J2Y9Pz0f2QRRm-9Ey_D1tN3DPpxow70tZz0BFg2c494I/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZSa_eQKIwCoEhef6QjueuNgXq-JzNkdxP0c9Q7aVl6vims94cv7pRHXb79hwku_eKUxWkpxWVw6xhE2EoOUnF1DM_-EpeoH2J2Y9Pz0f2QRRm-9Ey_D1tN3DPpxow70tZz0BFg2c494I/s400/IMG_4312.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The MOMA also has an extensive collection of paintings that rotate on display. I was able to see Jean-Michael Basquiat's painting over a massive canvas covered with collaged journal pages.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUdwIzuFknPBzP_kitn0TxlOdDzqpTmj9SFFQuD1gFlpqs6z6gcAZ8Le6Bt6TqBpBzyiv1oFbl-xa8snGqgTTNNXnnindfJBVn3hX6KPiT-_rz4VqLw2FyVtj-45EAUNq1wwXONijqbVC/s1600/IMG_4320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUdwIzuFknPBzP_kitn0TxlOdDzqpTmj9SFFQuD1gFlpqs6z6gcAZ8Le6Bt6TqBpBzyiv1oFbl-xa8snGqgTTNNXnnindfJBVn3hX6KPiT-_rz4VqLw2FyVtj-45EAUNq1wwXONijqbVC/s400/IMG_4320.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TnWKLcMSgDomDeYZMr653xA3EIzkWnaNo91jmzHD-Hw1-W5bC3db6mTBQdP940qDcpmm7_tqBTDeiAGte5DHh8K2mxHRJGWhC1zm4aIjfDUyK_bpf8p1kowmionvWCCeLmV5XHJsNBLL/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TnWKLcMSgDomDeYZMr653xA3EIzkWnaNo91jmzHD-Hw1-W5bC3db6mTBQdP940qDcpmm7_tqBTDeiAGte5DHh8K2mxHRJGWhC1zm4aIjfDUyK_bpf8p1kowmionvWCCeLmV5XHJsNBLL/s400/IMG_4321.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Four museums and all manner of mixed media inspiration: pencil, ink, crayon, paint and found objects used to describe each artists vision of figures and faces. I came away inspired, recharged and ready to get to work! I bought some new pens and pencils to try and played with them while waiting for the plane to leave....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSYrjDAALpSJEpUoKoLsCojsQILMvuwvcjIH-8931wHdBE_iK38NsZSHRs_iuwStiSvn1M4i6ZTRY4OwrxmEtzKa2m5OdZDDOczTQb_ojdTcAQeLDjgr8tZbeM-iepIpGJ7S5U15qO5pQ/s1600/wjp+oct15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSYrjDAALpSJEpUoKoLsCojsQILMvuwvcjIH-8931wHdBE_iK38NsZSHRs_iuwStiSvn1M4i6ZTRY4OwrxmEtzKa2m5OdZDDOczTQb_ojdTcAQeLDjgr8tZbeM-iepIpGJ7S5U15qO5pQ/s640/wjp+oct15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-82415545278102390612015-09-16T15:41:00.000-07:002015-09-16T16:49:20.694-07:00Winged Inspiration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudyE13mAK7YssPryeEPSseuzGVh-B8CPfDsfkseDWSkuI_RdVuYt8yIkTNPLa0KfoklTE-aO3FBUJai2zmHUfCijq7HK8-UcVZV5ufeSqt_2AkcgMijjTKiz9xwQUIfJMWjxmQNij16MY/s1600/wIMG_1724t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudyE13mAK7YssPryeEPSseuzGVh-B8CPfDsfkseDWSkuI_RdVuYt8yIkTNPLa0KfoklTE-aO3FBUJai2zmHUfCijq7HK8-UcVZV5ufeSqt_2AkcgMijjTKiz9xwQUIfJMWjxmQNij16MY/s400/wIMG_1724t.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_777379298"></span><span id="goog_777379299"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love Celtic music and had a chance to attend a music event called <a href="http://faerieworlds.com/" target="_blank">Faerieworlds</a>, just outside of Portland, Oregon. Just imagine the potential for magical inspiration! I was not disappointed. Picture a forested setting next to a lake, almost everyone in some sort of fairyland costume. There were elves, fairies, mermaids and pirates. Vendors with everything from silk fairy wings to barbeque turkey legs for sale.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I loved the "Dream Tree" where streamers with paper and clothes pins were used to post your dreams. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmypL-PlbyWs_3Xgr7D3I6_ZiZOy3xSP36uDmH1BRE4SEmpzc5VIo34o2-wFJGJ2pUAlWIDvzXI2YBMQuKI4JjPLDqumGWFNz1yA6Y6MlO5XO9vX52HAQ8B1X3q-5S6LsVJvYN1YUQfF4U/s1600/wIMG_4089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmypL-PlbyWs_3Xgr7D3I6_ZiZOy3xSP36uDmH1BRE4SEmpzc5VIo34o2-wFJGJ2pUAlWIDvzXI2YBMQuKI4JjPLDqumGWFNz1yA6Y6MlO5XO9vX52HAQ8B1X3q-5S6LsVJvYN1YUQfF4U/s400/wIMG_4089.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My biggest fascination was the inventiveness of the wings.....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UYb-ZVQJGvuVceDUAtgHRtcqEQ5_RBQpZyMgXK0DuuepSpBOCjLn-olks4rzuYrWH90FVhEpZSy3QTI7cu-ggX6rpTuAgZzt-zZBrhsjNWB5L9u0i0_foRfO2HzJ7bSs5yJvcQNXXkMz/s1600/wIMG_1713t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7UYb-ZVQJGvuVceDUAtgHRtcqEQ5_RBQpZyMgXK0DuuepSpBOCjLn-olks4rzuYrWH90FVhEpZSy3QTI7cu-ggX6rpTuAgZzt-zZBrhsjNWB5L9u0i0_foRfO2HzJ7bSs5yJvcQNXXkMz/s400/wIMG_1713t.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoWtBbCveN5fFHD5f9TmqmUHiTFp5kb9t_Fp6nWrOqC4-6EhGTw3mc281swXN0B09BpFAuLmcTPHXDJN-nU13qGSbNI_LdUlT-1Er31NpoWLUjZM_I9K7O1O2lzX4clprRUZKz_LDDkmq/s1600/wIMG_1714t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoWtBbCveN5fFHD5f9TmqmUHiTFp5kb9t_Fp6nWrOqC4-6EhGTw3mc281swXN0B09BpFAuLmcTPHXDJN-nU13qGSbNI_LdUlT-1Er31NpoWLUjZM_I9K7O1O2lzX4clprRUZKz_LDDkmq/s400/wIMG_1714t.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozbE5nIMpBp9NdVMkaBC5rEdx_sIiFUwc88nkXa4qTnfhQsbNGUKr_kjF-fUUcAf8_EXANzdp1CdGTA9pedWplGxMrZniUJoqUbMqvFLrhyphenhyphenf6FL-0m6gILwJPn2V9GiyRy-toaVkAoirV/s1600/wIMG_1723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhozbE5nIMpBp9NdVMkaBC5rEdx_sIiFUwc88nkXa4qTnfhQsbNGUKr_kjF-fUUcAf8_EXANzdp1CdGTA9pedWplGxMrZniUJoqUbMqvFLrhyphenhyphenf6FL-0m6gILwJPn2V9GiyRy-toaVkAoirV/s400/wIMG_1723.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk-Zcq3KYEpPtGjEqDv6t67zgK8aHv_33JwGOz2tEddkWy4x3Du8riuLD7P0F_XbGqGoK3b86qjdbE-kuUkKxOKbz9vVu_FtnwHPYfjZ2wBRbQbu_NoCHLA7hyphenhyphen5aopJ68k1BUKjl_nboe/s1600/wIMG_1715t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk-Zcq3KYEpPtGjEqDv6t67zgK8aHv_33JwGOz2tEddkWy4x3Du8riuLD7P0F_XbGqGoK3b86qjdbE-kuUkKxOKbz9vVu_FtnwHPYfjZ2wBRbQbu_NoCHLA7hyphenhyphen5aopJ68k1BUKjl_nboe/s400/wIMG_1715t.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had my camera and sketchbook on hand and came away with some great imagery. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEzGvDd2J0qlyvvtbAmRaazSmON-IzvouwgDOiqyz22N8-Oo7Ja2Cj7avLnuWlJYDc6Yr4MaX1EQcEmr0VYYsXcZ8WDvf0Zjl2na5Y9-P3wgbQgmFaulnR13FtNrRy0x27LEy2uG5Lmfd/s1600/wsepia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEzGvDd2J0qlyvvtbAmRaazSmON-IzvouwgDOiqyz22N8-Oo7Ja2Cj7avLnuWlJYDc6Yr4MaX1EQcEmr0VYYsXcZ8WDvf0Zjl2na5Y9-P3wgbQgmFaulnR13FtNrRy0x27LEy2uG5Lmfd/s400/wsepia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We sat under the stars and watched dancers in costume moving to the music. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was MAGIC!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-63533690179011275822015-08-18T17:43:00.000-07:002015-08-18T17:43:16.557-07:00Art LifeI gave a class at my studio to some wonderful folks last week, including my grandaughter, who is 16 years old and another visiting teen. The class was an abbreviated version of my upcoming class at Art-Is-You Stamford, CT, October 7-9. Sort of a trial run to make sure my instructions were good and I had the right supplies.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyCT8nMEnSLc7P8f5g9ShrOELxsdNFq2ocn4RllWOiczdW9F3k3ISICEuaBX8k1OFquysqImTeDZQbfhc4Ej1wR39sE9rAdLXxYiScBjOAfeypAMf6ZFlZgxDyXlADKp093WDshb7wz15/s1600/wIMG_1187aab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyCT8nMEnSLc7P8f5g9ShrOELxsdNFq2ocn4RllWOiczdW9F3k3ISICEuaBX8k1OFquysqImTeDZQbfhc4Ej1wR39sE9rAdLXxYiScBjOAfeypAMf6ZFlZgxDyXlADKp093WDshb7wz15/s400/wIMG_1187aab.jpg" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
One of my class samples for Paint Primer on Primitive</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It is alway fun to see what students create from your original concept for a new class and this was no exception. Only a few in the class had made a doll before, and this is a grouping of what was produced. Some are not quite finished, but they are stunning and unique! One person even made a mermaid....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw-j2ZNxCSX4kfBZ0vurdMi1G2BIZ9yujW_T0EwvJGzh7fm8aKiK-PhVbolWh_PUT1BlEQEZ6i6He6G90T7sYwPaSkvjiUQitc5F2aJUFzeGCDrfTCEgk_8xixZxgER92nvAXjFCgpgiL/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw-j2ZNxCSX4kfBZ0vurdMi1G2BIZ9yujW_T0EwvJGzh7fm8aKiK-PhVbolWh_PUT1BlEQEZ6i6He6G90T7sYwPaSkvjiUQitc5F2aJUFzeGCDrfTCEgk_8xixZxgER92nvAXjFCgpgiL/s400/IMG_3994.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My grandaughter gave me permission to share her work....</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttJXGcoPJel68Tx9u1ivud_cshASIPBwWqJ0vTAJY95S51DK2PGP_gNICuUYBDAkuRS74wn85DlgHhrUUXcRZJTvjkTTDJ-U48_bDdpiAZfT1-iKP2HGYCtyCSJNNxzmR4hLTRrNQkr3C/s1600/IMG_3987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttJXGcoPJel68Tx9u1ivud_cshASIPBwWqJ0vTAJY95S51DK2PGP_gNICuUYBDAkuRS74wn85DlgHhrUUXcRZJTvjkTTDJ-U48_bDdpiAZfT1-iKP2HGYCtyCSJNNxzmR4hLTRrNQkr3C/s400/IMG_3987.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
Definitely a modern twist on Primitive. </h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZoQZXsvgOX_uJpAzo-_yQFsq5kaFfSgtZ54ODl-AfUsz6ngv9zJNNEm_tTbHZZ3mYjsxpic6DGoMa7N1By_E_Kp9MqqxJa0CN2tnX1oEg6ufjG7mNXMqhyphenhyphenhfqc_QNKFz4vvQy-JZ3aVs/s1600/IMG_4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZoQZXsvgOX_uJpAzo-_yQFsq5kaFfSgtZ54ODl-AfUsz6ngv9zJNNEm_tTbHZZ3mYjsxpic6DGoMa7N1By_E_Kp9MqqxJa0CN2tnX1oEg6ufjG7mNXMqhyphenhyphenhfqc_QNKFz4vvQy-JZ3aVs/s400/IMG_4002.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
Finished paintings layed out on the table...</h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to demonstrate a more modern version of a primitive doll and painting, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to show how early American primitive style can be done with a twist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG80u9H3X0NO1mXMAhMJIw5ObGL0UlvxPUtnUiCF2KakdvTSduTDk3ROZc5wjaxmN7y5iUx7BJCnVLxA3QEssnpD-IpeoE8Wm7KuodEuuX2MzesrBO3X0p1ewOb3AVgzAD52f8bYl7Ywlc/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG80u9H3X0NO1mXMAhMJIw5ObGL0UlvxPUtnUiCF2KakdvTSduTDk3ROZc5wjaxmN7y5iUx7BJCnVLxA3QEssnpD-IpeoE8Wm7KuodEuuX2MzesrBO3X0p1ewOb3AVgzAD52f8bYl7Ywlc/s400/IMG_4037.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you will consider joining me in Stamford, CT for </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.eatcakecreate.com/stamford/stamford-workshop-schedule/karen-obrien-paint-primer-on-primitive/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Art-Is-You</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">October 7-9, 2015!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-60340516490183486162015-07-16T17:26:00.002-07:002015-07-16T17:26:52.701-07:00The Quilted Palette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6aXgHx-jX2pEk_JrfZ6Rlpix6LiIP1jIhjNZddeBe5WqHXS0HaVZ2OR4oWNqnXYtT14jABbarpvC7D5dOs9elE6Ch6UsKUul1kd2PM6UQaRqfLsyMKxvha5xpM_vXVzAicPgZQKdPLpP/s1600/IMG_3791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH6aXgHx-jX2pEk_JrfZ6Rlpix6LiIP1jIhjNZddeBe5WqHXS0HaVZ2OR4oWNqnXYtT14jABbarpvC7D5dOs9elE6Ch6UsKUul1kd2PM6UQaRqfLsyMKxvha5xpM_vXVzAicPgZQKdPLpP/s400/IMG_3791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Last weekend I attended the Sisters, Oregon annual Quilt Festival. The second Saturday of July every year the town of Sisters puts on an amazing show. Quilts are organized by similarity and hung on buildings, in stores...basically everywhere you look. Even the Fire Department helps. In a matter of hours there are hundreds of quilts to view.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />Each quilt is like a painting, marks made by patches and stitching instead of pencils and brushes. Color combinations masterfully selected from a complicated palette of not only color but patterns.<br />Here are some of the inspirational quilts I saw. Maybe they will also inspire you!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dul7MubyYA-_7dfamX6QmdRRAvwkn6Vs4yNGesKDvZ4EynEsdbQqVuNzj_3K74Qsw5E4E4MgM8t-v_VJYyG5RPTzh1ioIb0zTQZ9ty6PeE_cEVdhx-cOGh1MLTNyzh0tvr_eqfb7oTgD/s1600/IMG_3792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9dul7MubyYA-_7dfamX6QmdRRAvwkn6Vs4yNGesKDvZ4EynEsdbQqVuNzj_3K74Qsw5E4E4MgM8t-v_VJYyG5RPTzh1ioIb0zTQZ9ty6PeE_cEVdhx-cOGh1MLTNyzh0tvr_eqfb7oTgD/s400/IMG_3792.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOlo2zvOVuKDj4EWIjaGLNqit3z38txxMp1eIquhMgCFhLtIzvzAAdQBPOSh0YdFjHWUWDywMLJsLR7080x8NbrAdJSfMOHry1vzGuSfdrWAo1fdRUH2CVpqjCfsu3NJTL2tj4dDC2YaN/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOlo2zvOVuKDj4EWIjaGLNqit3z38txxMp1eIquhMgCFhLtIzvzAAdQBPOSh0YdFjHWUWDywMLJsLR7080x8NbrAdJSfMOHry1vzGuSfdrWAo1fdRUH2CVpqjCfsu3NJTL2tj4dDC2YaN/s400/IMG_3793.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQgl6XbQ-t0Y47Eq53v3Ri2LxrEPjdTc6tSuD6en5l4vQ-0Q0s3PG70j_qaQnGGNVJp26BXgbcHXhPhrlGHbeE00F8VZh8vU0L3kdE5g4uBoXzLpFp6mpjZxN2W_192SRVdho8s3IWmwM/s1600/IMG_3795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQQgl6XbQ-t0Y47Eq53v3Ri2LxrEPjdTc6tSuD6en5l4vQ-0Q0s3PG70j_qaQnGGNVJp26BXgbcHXhPhrlGHbeE00F8VZh8vU0L3kdE5g4uBoXzLpFp6mpjZxN2W_192SRVdho8s3IWmwM/s400/IMG_3795.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Section of quilt made by the ladies from Gees Bend</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib2UuPgxgUNidjVqSetFqcWpu7n1_LpLHP6hpAEX3_ZSjvy5NTjLrRtFlB1oQfedUUSxsi02Q33anYdaFwzuylC5DDYlXePqFIq2HT-cM3O88oH2c_HV37anJ5VWEtatzh9neS7vG2Fgz/s1600/IMG_3805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjib2UuPgxgUNidjVqSetFqcWpu7n1_LpLHP6hpAEX3_ZSjvy5NTjLrRtFlB1oQfedUUSxsi02Q33anYdaFwzuylC5DDYlXePqFIq2HT-cM3O88oH2c_HV37anJ5VWEtatzh9neS7vG2Fgz/s400/IMG_3805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTTU18aYKwDU3TdYu269F9m37kxzTZ9EnSaori6FsEX6nzEgdz845NjxCOUXRuO852u10c4L8X4tWaqvA8LU1tw9rq9NSFsVscJvgCcUJQDSpixQvvT1r6O3PgYR3D30MklaKTowjinGY/s1600/IMG_3806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTTU18aYKwDU3TdYu269F9m37kxzTZ9EnSaori6FsEX6nzEgdz845NjxCOUXRuO852u10c4L8X4tWaqvA8LU1tw9rq9NSFsVscJvgCcUJQDSpixQvvT1r6O3PgYR3D30MklaKTowjinGY/s400/IMG_3806.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made with hand dyed batik fabrics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlKczWCqZGiBecUTyXhZ3q1iaa6z2JXxCPkSeAVtuktN7LoLhv7Mk6xEMgosW3UFMdJDu99n_IZ5uu5aVvWz97QiNdk7LWNuLVg2HeqfOosl6V-C5TyU3GShN81ujpEBiJDXMNSz9iZQd/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwlKczWCqZGiBecUTyXhZ3q1iaa6z2JXxCPkSeAVtuktN7LoLhv7Mk6xEMgosW3UFMdJDu99n_IZ5uu5aVvWz97QiNdk7LWNuLVg2HeqfOosl6V-C5TyU3GShN81ujpEBiJDXMNSz9iZQd/s400/IMG_3810.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsFzy_hAcQ2OLfquWQ4NTXAqb03cy0Ei7uXzizaLdXhgZz3lmd2krCBB1WJvQTveyatPxdDOLq2xKVztsW_nRxlgHvqztqWb1duMrVMSX89WANwsgUMUTLjCSiaeOjzZwckaD7BahGFcm/s1600/IMG_3821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdsFzy_hAcQ2OLfquWQ4NTXAqb03cy0Ei7uXzizaLdXhgZz3lmd2krCBB1WJvQTveyatPxdDOLq2xKVztsW_nRxlgHvqztqWb1duMrVMSX89WANwsgUMUTLjCSiaeOjzZwckaD7BahGFcm/s400/IMG_3821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dUiV9IsH-EbnK_jmJrDQcHyBpZwEM55nusD8mO_Ouok9Qc2aD8qo2hjDsl75oDMQvbun0y8WXhPzKJ2QryqhpW8e2wS95GcuWS9OGmmqA1Agz079ptRm2W6SmfdgFhXtBn_21BDBFYO7/s1600/IMG_3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7dUiV9IsH-EbnK_jmJrDQcHyBpZwEM55nusD8mO_Ouok9Qc2aD8qo2hjDsl75oDMQvbun0y8WXhPzKJ2QryqhpW8e2wS95GcuWS9OGmmqA1Agz079ptRm2W6SmfdgFhXtBn_21BDBFYO7/s400/IMG_3824.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZDRwKVeNgyWmVoJ8F45Z9G12OjjHQx0TSWB65d7a0CRDT-p84uQke-xa0IsfAmXD6QOw_fHUvO7MpvsOT6nWFC09f1bHAsiF4f0JCZRiszsP50B77FHAcZBP3c5CWb33ew_eFyDnNqx_/s1600/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZDRwKVeNgyWmVoJ8F45Z9G12OjjHQx0TSWB65d7a0CRDT-p84uQke-xa0IsfAmXD6QOw_fHUvO7MpvsOT6nWFC09f1bHAsiF4f0JCZRiszsP50B77FHAcZBP3c5CWb33ew_eFyDnNqx_/s400/IMG_3846.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Masterful "painting"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I returned home I had two paintings that I needed to finish for the <a href="http://www.theoregonwineexperience.com/art/" target="_blank">Oregon Wine Experience charity event. </a> I decided to use the quilts to inform my color palette. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHakLJLKF-W7g0Ss9qqBCNB5vi0I0kRpSGYJoQMQabPWcUWhtn8Dp2wQ0_sZCkcbxlso4EwarqFJRWNGiRUhWmqKlYDNY1_rfdpAN4UFO4bufYm-d72_vYnZW1smIOoe3ohGo7Y0mj0Qj/s1600/IMG_3843tt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHakLJLKF-W7g0Ss9qqBCNB5vi0I0kRpSGYJoQMQabPWcUWhtn8Dp2wQ0_sZCkcbxlso4EwarqFJRWNGiRUhWmqKlYDNY1_rfdpAN4UFO4bufYm-d72_vYnZW1smIOoe3ohGo7Y0mj0Qj/s400/IMG_3843tt.jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "fall" colors are yummy!<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWDMAi2b3M53B7FANvuPH09HQ_mCkR0nIxvuY3w_koBHq0OLOs55VtUizDLCNNlcefB4eXe2R8LX_Tosg5cmgCC1WNRCoyQuj3knpUIHZ2HsKmu8zEAHGaoJGq65gsieHedR8pT9vo5Gp/s1600/15121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWDMAi2b3M53B7FANvuPH09HQ_mCkR0nIxvuY3w_koBHq0OLOs55VtUizDLCNNlcefB4eXe2R8LX_Tosg5cmgCC1WNRCoyQuj3knpUIHZ2HsKmu8zEAHGaoJGq65gsieHedR8pT9vo5Gp/s400/15121.jpg" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and became "Autum Song"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6sR4kkG75T91qBCRdk28TxJYNjvnRELCIND__J68qnKlEQF951j3ENaNZ0xrTGXXLfXJDbPVHOKnsSPYGmXMd9E8JFDdkEVvjREi7f064zm1Kta6QEwUxKOP5B5ZVC7cC8z10K3npeUb/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6sR4kkG75T91qBCRdk28TxJYNjvnRELCIND__J68qnKlEQF951j3ENaNZ0xrTGXXLfXJDbPVHOKnsSPYGmXMd9E8JFDdkEVvjREi7f064zm1Kta6QEwUxKOP5B5ZVC7cC8z10K3npeUb/s400/IMG_3834.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the teal and red orange...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVfVxZN8E_ohr3lB4A0Iw28V-ZpC520O4k1YclS3GdA9CJnTJcnKyuivauUHRKCGqgkNj72OYP8Rys8c1vga_xLMQWHj7KizMy2DKQ7__5RcKRLpmDknTUrx0IE0zeBi_bNE6GASka_UK/s1600/15120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVfVxZN8E_ohr3lB4A0Iw28V-ZpC520O4k1YclS3GdA9CJnTJcnKyuivauUHRKCGqgkNj72OYP8Rys8c1vga_xLMQWHj7KizMy2DKQ7__5RcKRLpmDknTUrx0IE0zeBi_bNE6GASka_UK/s400/15120.jpg" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It became "Girl with a Red Bird"<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope this inspires you to look for a color palette in unusual places.<br /><span style="font-size: large;">Stay Curious!</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1547868609"></span><span id="goog_1547868610"></span><br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-21660307206561295582015-06-21T12:39:00.002-07:002015-06-21T12:39:54.919-07:00Why I Teach<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQDNjcLnh_SPTIRd_-T135To2HvUdb36oPLnODwxQQ0QEbbXSIUb5XC7R-FWlWX_c6sLpHfk72IFX6eA6YYxvGmA7f_syXlIeEJptZifwR-3sI3m9kVcVbYpr-Nm0-JHGCwST3rcbfYYZ/s1600/studio+trim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYQDNjcLnh_SPTIRd_-T135To2HvUdb36oPLnODwxQQ0QEbbXSIUb5XC7R-FWlWX_c6sLpHfk72IFX6eA6YYxvGmA7f_syXlIeEJptZifwR-3sI3m9kVcVbYpr-Nm0-JHGCwST3rcbfYYZ/s320/studio+trim.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "Golden Rule Studio"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Why do I teach? I have been thinking about this a lot lately and have come to realize that teaching is an integral part of my creative process. Without sharing what I discover, it feels like something is missing. I created my artist "mission statement" years ago and I still believe it is true:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">" I am on a journey, exploring the path of intuitive art, listening to the voice within to learn, create and share what I find." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So here are a few reasons why I teach:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- the anticipation of sharing something I am excited about</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- learning from my students</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- happy accidents that provide opportunities for unplanned problem solving</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- seeing students letting down their guard, offering help and encouragement to each other.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- seeing that "click" of recognition when someone "gets it."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- the collaborative energy a group creates.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- that 10 people can approach the same project and come up with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
10 wonderfully different results,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
demonstrating that unique creative voice.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It is good to remember that making art is not just about "making." If it was just about mastery of certain skills, art would be easy. The intangible part of making art is being able to visually express who you are. Learning about new tools and techniques in a class is not an end, but a beginning. It can open a door that will lead your closer to finding your unique creative voice. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglCvoBlsk_G3ylxMOoXo7szJI2pzKB21756VuJGIrAxdZ_V9ZW5SlAfQPz2YNTs0pWqRi_Q9WlneKZZtqikO37EqqXRwLja8Sv-YMIHH8UWRStW8m7BeuPCF4N2ZDXqb7eo9hLGu-Cl08/s1600/03+Crazy+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglCvoBlsk_G3ylxMOoXo7szJI2pzKB21756VuJGIrAxdZ_V9ZW5SlAfQPz2YNTs0pWqRi_Q9WlneKZZtqikO37EqqXRwLja8Sv-YMIHH8UWRStW8m7BeuPCF4N2ZDXqb7eo9hLGu-Cl08/s320/03+Crazy+Collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope, as a teacher, I am able to encourage others in their journey of self discovery through play, curiosity and paying attention..... <span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKoo-O9QnfO8AlfgTbLY9Zw7aXhgIs7wA0PJ8BcSapT9FZw79gzkfDAa-vkyq6Aa80BchYSM83j-V2lWjHgISl91sXMgkPdFrSZifcgsiocOI012lOZK-PVIED2-TPqFlAHKL4YFr4pyW/s1600/large_Writers_Write_-_Susan_Sontag_Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgKoo-O9QnfO8AlfgTbLY9Zw7aXhgIs7wA0PJ8BcSapT9FZw79gzkfDAa-vkyq6Aa80BchYSM83j-V2lWjHgISl91sXMgkPdFrSZifcgsiocOI012lOZK-PVIED2-TPqFlAHKL4YFr4pyW/s640/large_Writers_Write_-_Susan_Sontag_Quote.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-10865544944737585962015-06-03T17:12:00.003-07:002015-06-03T17:12:59.705-07:00Painting Make-OverI I often use an old painting to get me re-energized to paint. Because it is a "make-over" I can feel free to experiment and try new colors and techniques.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgBAeeeoJN5Ma1CSl0cjqnAOqru1bGrtRYriFKnWwsQSE2-QiHWKnPjAqA8fbrd8J1u9CsPJnNVY2Wlg3B8ef1VhLSZFwMOf9DxUcSH5Kwk9e27nYMEaeyapKWj6v2CQN8Ywme7Rn2U-K/s1600/no1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgBAeeeoJN5Ma1CSl0cjqnAOqru1bGrtRYriFKnWwsQSE2-QiHWKnPjAqA8fbrd8J1u9CsPJnNVY2Wlg3B8ef1VhLSZFwMOf9DxUcSH5Kwk9e27nYMEaeyapKWj6v2CQN8Ywme7Rn2U-K/s400/no1.JPG" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where I started...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4P9GQHt9cDcnxy9qpuq5nY8_Grc2zr2FmIbxvjWZFTXl_D575j2SgsLlDE7KsISo1jh2RCZ9TbuqYBv9MKdpIJY0Kwjl3Z1NLV1_V1DVtFsB39uVO0IoAu2Rd74fx3MRz54303SAmbZC/s1600/no2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4P9GQHt9cDcnxy9qpuq5nY8_Grc2zr2FmIbxvjWZFTXl_D575j2SgsLlDE7KsISo1jh2RCZ9TbuqYBv9MKdpIJY0Kwjl3Z1NLV1_V1DVtFsB39uVO0IoAu2Rd74fx3MRz54303SAmbZC/s400/no2.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got lost in playing and did not take photos of the transition.<br /> I kept the figure and part of the creature.<br />At this point it is pretty dark.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgtNHLCo9GtNNgYQYGXkP3rGdzdV2nBv26qcl8Pw6AFoZ1qZjaLXWtdlVU2Mt2dadMS5QmjGxIhDMOLmYwiUPf5zFNrkYgiBHGqMKu1rI42ku_IMKIXe8nHequNcnIJRzVf7TgXCGjXi-/s1600/no3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgtNHLCo9GtNNgYQYGXkP3rGdzdV2nBv26qcl8Pw6AFoZ1qZjaLXWtdlVU2Mt2dadMS5QmjGxIhDMOLmYwiUPf5zFNrkYgiBHGqMKu1rI42ku_IMKIXe8nHequNcnIJRzVf7TgXCGjXi-/s400/no3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lightening it up, but my biggest critic (hubby) did not like the "peach." <br />I also changed the eyes to look to the side on the figure. <br />This small change really impacted the<br />painting. The two figures are now connecting.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GuSIPm_4ozp5qYaPCALInQWQgfc3YV-4Zkta80gEgFUX5qQmDbf7xGHzEC8A-7BAA7hyphenhyphenrLlI5o29OYnXXqcRz3-RIGcUXSBPNcp57KKtt3pnT48p8Shhx_4_vBPYbjOs26cyv7AhaPeQ/s1600/no4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1GuSIPm_4ozp5qYaPCALInQWQgfc3YV-4Zkta80gEgFUX5qQmDbf7xGHzEC8A-7BAA7hyphenhyphenrLlI5o29OYnXXqcRz3-RIGcUXSBPNcp57KKtt3pnT48p8Shhx_4_vBPYbjOs26cyv7AhaPeQ/s400/no4.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I added some warmer colors - green and yellow glazes. <br />I also added arms on the girl and a shell with a pearl. <br />It was unclear who was in the foreground, so back to work.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gi7qdD2HDqE2dp14C2Jhn1mhPWhTcPQ-TqZauAViI-BMn0jBWOUI0RGkOgVPR9f04ZJ6MZNYrxb-kC5mjnydEw5H-tpbkvqtbl6UA_pNAkzZFT0DYEmZAixM59SwubW4jiDZXRm0-QG2/s1600/no4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0gi7qdD2HDqE2dp14C2Jhn1mhPWhTcPQ-TqZauAViI-BMn0jBWOUI0RGkOgVPR9f04ZJ6MZNYrxb-kC5mjnydEw5H-tpbkvqtbl6UA_pNAkzZFT0DYEmZAixM59SwubW4jiDZXRm0-QG2/s400/no4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close up of added white to pull the figure forward. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAxlFR_j9Vz5ZCXzw6NtkOf3DMpEdGVgW7CaZgAxpId5UX__7oGymbbHykq3KACE4kqpBhKWZcm8JRJQLW1eicmFxGbzCgKx0gj7kEk2r2YfyNI0msG9iQzNOk4SWO1ysqluc7WO2EXl9/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXAxlFR_j9Vz5ZCXzw6NtkOf3DMpEdGVgW7CaZgAxpId5UX__7oGymbbHykq3KACE4kqpBhKWZcm8JRJQLW1eicmFxGbzCgKx0gj7kEk2r2YfyNI0msG9iQzNOk4SWO1ysqluc7WO2EXl9/s400/IMG_3563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Details of the shell and pearl.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowRvRlM2tFk9zJOKBVUenpwcXqnecBgzijY8xi8YKiKFaVgst_m9CRZMmH1-jtNT39NqBxNPvsfBd8BVLmnkiJzRKAWyCfi5GuHwfU8jgXZ5rcJ-A4q9svYz_FXmaTpn5suw0hv7KC6AE/s1600/IMG_3564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiowRvRlM2tFk9zJOKBVUenpwcXqnecBgzijY8xi8YKiKFaVgst_m9CRZMmH1-jtNT39NqBxNPvsfBd8BVLmnkiJzRKAWyCfi5GuHwfU8jgXZ5rcJ-A4q9svYz_FXmaTpn5suw0hv7KC6AE/s400/IMG_3564.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Close up of the creature....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgthGIZARiXGPDM03Dfvw3j6CNNkUNKEyrub6vlsz7-NfJ1ByDU9q1wBWr0bKqDvYfXkI6ECH1Pn_VMfqj6zmsVSM3EjyOCP6OsxV5wNgS1_z-O5ltnzu5sDkB3KCu368AAguuKqnngOU-/s1600/IMG_3565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgthGIZARiXGPDM03Dfvw3j6CNNkUNKEyrub6vlsz7-NfJ1ByDU9q1wBWr0bKqDvYfXkI6ECH1Pn_VMfqj6zmsVSM3EjyOCP6OsxV5wNgS1_z-O5ltnzu5sDkB3KCu368AAguuKqnngOU-/s400/IMG_3565.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I added more dark around the creature to push him back.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQVTbVVTsgP02tKE1dEKR51Avrre2zzeqUYJjK1FSghX587S43Nu9FQFJvSD0CF6WpBP3TvwaeYPZz7VAT2R2zkEc0YRIJ36hygBIZ48LTVtt-vNn_YxVrori6DkaOvIsycY-mQ6itFlQ/s1600/no5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQVTbVVTsgP02tKE1dEKR51Avrre2zzeqUYJjK1FSghX587S43Nu9FQFJvSD0CF6WpBP3TvwaeYPZz7VAT2R2zkEc0YRIJ36hygBIZ48LTVtt-vNn_YxVrori6DkaOvIsycY-mQ6itFlQ/s640/no5.jpg" width="636" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Arms were a bit skinny, so I fleshed them out and made them part of the dress. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Finished ?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I bet you have some pieces hanging around that could be re-worked. Let go and give it a try!Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-82732940589673468282015-05-22T14:16:00.001-07:002015-05-22T16:05:02.311-07:00Bringing Inspiration HomeSummer is upon us and we will be travelling - maybe only in our own backyard, but there is plenty of inspiration. Vacations exotic or local, are an opportunity to be present and live intensely. See things with new eyes and collect the memories - they will show up in your art.<br />
We recently returned from a trip to Hawaii. We stayed on Kauai, which is also know as the "Garden Island." Lots of inspiration to be had everywhere you looked, but I was taken by a place called Allerton Gardens. It is part of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens and was created as a private retreat. It is part garden, part art exhibit and entirely unique. It is a collection of garden "rooms," tropical plants and sculptures. Each room has a water feature or plant theme. I felt a bit like Alice walking through a door into wonderland. Here is some of my favorite photos of the garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO4YyfeMQx0CSRhtL76JDck6Y06FCxqEeN5vGGI32M3JOU9bTbVuMsD4h6yfx5c62gtYqImnawKoYutPqfV7cLJzWAUtSK0ZLbtkr-qmS7xXCEvrfwiB5SnstUu5GL9BNybW_a0SpL93t/s1600/IMG_3407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO4YyfeMQx0CSRhtL76JDck6Y06FCxqEeN5vGGI32M3JOU9bTbVuMsD4h6yfx5c62gtYqImnawKoYutPqfV7cLJzWAUtSK0ZLbtkr-qmS7xXCEvrfwiB5SnstUu5GL9BNybW_a0SpL93t/s400/IMG_3407.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9M3TAh2GRxdK9mNSaW_Ey-HU7PzCy8uF4QGRegAXCm3ebmsPoKvDsnqzp9Z2s2s1uuvlH7iBHZ7xdpy0lcYgkLs_wqMTidqAJ_j2jgn7_2-xWprKcfy0vs5u_Dfdbbu_VWiaafpOt2IT/s1600/IMG_3408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU9M3TAh2GRxdK9mNSaW_Ey-HU7PzCy8uF4QGRegAXCm3ebmsPoKvDsnqzp9Z2s2s1uuvlH7iBHZ7xdpy0lcYgkLs_wqMTidqAJ_j2jgn7_2-xWprKcfy0vs5u_Dfdbbu_VWiaafpOt2IT/s400/IMG_3408.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d2iesf0l37gAVgX2Mq22xyFFNf68xQOeNk21Q1cO4ink8Axs3pF4zmmVkoeGKxKoNsmoUqqlCfaJBWK7PPNBkKgayIV9_YP-LFJHXYdfiPsqtcFZJ2PAt6GC5YGmi3fHX1a5Gpi01Dtj/s1600/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4d2iesf0l37gAVgX2Mq22xyFFNf68xQOeNk21Q1cO4ink8Axs3pF4zmmVkoeGKxKoNsmoUqqlCfaJBWK7PPNBkKgayIV9_YP-LFJHXYdfiPsqtcFZJ2PAt6GC5YGmi3fHX1a5Gpi01Dtj/s400/IMG_3419.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9UrslohuDrVJcBP6FJKn9B2yY0At5RC3gAGcxF5uBKz3P7VuCBZscBpsih3ekSAT6AoRm8AbZKZdBCrtlykydtObyqcQ2ZuHtZ5e4Lx7zYImTQUQaJezi8Zu0vtMt_v87uRdW0ONLrKb/s1600/IMG_3421c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9UrslohuDrVJcBP6FJKn9B2yY0At5RC3gAGcxF5uBKz3P7VuCBZscBpsih3ekSAT6AoRm8AbZKZdBCrtlykydtObyqcQ2ZuHtZ5e4Lx7zYImTQUQaJezi8Zu0vtMt_v87uRdW0ONLrKb/s400/IMG_3421c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KK1vYDIBLeuR0I1hf0J8mwnQFwM4S6KCZYJW3GYwJIrzGvdstF2holJXh-9rnpMMGmulLZlF8iuTEXsI0J3aR1MBnBS76lGxR3VaY7MBBLCz3P4O_pjBq3k21P9fUhPch8yb3LLF4jDY/s1600/IMG_3423c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KK1vYDIBLeuR0I1hf0J8mwnQFwM4S6KCZYJW3GYwJIrzGvdstF2holJXh-9rnpMMGmulLZlF8iuTEXsI0J3aR1MBnBS76lGxR3VaY7MBBLCz3P4O_pjBq3k21P9fUhPch8yb3LLF4jDY/s400/IMG_3423c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH7IGSjLkYPv6VzDB89dyQGNtT6MdeXRjadbvNSk7IqttmNLuS49nIsJCckOseo0MbrnlXRzi8wLXXBkKOXBlrMM68GjSUDyC9uhKQgwDjFHp_vO-K-eK4OKoLgPxGnQMNLthuFfeUuu4/s1600/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvH7IGSjLkYPv6VzDB89dyQGNtT6MdeXRjadbvNSk7IqttmNLuS49nIsJCckOseo0MbrnlXRzi8wLXXBkKOXBlrMM68GjSUDyC9uhKQgwDjFHp_vO-K-eK4OKoLgPxGnQMNLthuFfeUuu4/s400/IMG_3428.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPfNLI0SD7hbNTW5SBc_BQrhiyNqIRK_4AGRnBTS2tuDj7pwuSIULE5V8EJXBaoKcAi_KN58dj2NRJCi7y2CRZTWMUYn5b1NthztSnKhUb0cQc1TRFDasGtaG1DC1AtTOt6Ixal1RY-Qm/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPfNLI0SD7hbNTW5SBc_BQrhiyNqIRK_4AGRnBTS2tuDj7pwuSIULE5V8EJXBaoKcAi_KN58dj2NRJCi7y2CRZTWMUYn5b1NthztSnKhUb0cQc1TRFDasGtaG1DC1AtTOt6Ixal1RY-Qm/s400/IMG_3432.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsOxobaqB_SC9Y4yULm0T4hlWaOQUAWfTG4-qRUIlKC0rx_uOKMJXbRekIE3uehc-8rXDeH3_x7IRXW5PAyD6LA7oxJnWezsN51evfRKuaas_ohb3org8Qk2IzYZWlP8b44USVY1s23Yy/s1600/IMG_3433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfsOxobaqB_SC9Y4yULm0T4hlWaOQUAWfTG4-qRUIlKC0rx_uOKMJXbRekIE3uehc-8rXDeH3_x7IRXW5PAyD6LA7oxJnWezsN51evfRKuaas_ohb3org8Qk2IzYZWlP8b44USVY1s23Yy/s400/IMG_3433.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1iHqh_hvDm4exaqaOAIfrOapPhykb2j8j_OHcWU2f6m6mzJOOhoogXlnvRQOA-5mFS7oeMbfD4eOnvGg800OdeOnZxaegBFdPmu9K_aavD6zbFjHdApfx_WyYV9nl2EGlcFIFVe6L3kc/s1600/IMG_3450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1iHqh_hvDm4exaqaOAIfrOapPhykb2j8j_OHcWU2f6m6mzJOOhoogXlnvRQOA-5mFS7oeMbfD4eOnvGg800OdeOnZxaegBFdPmu9K_aavD6zbFjHdApfx_WyYV9nl2EGlcFIFVe6L3kc/s400/IMG_3450.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlajDaUymGv7Z7O4iNGANY7PR19USLj8au-gBloeipM00oTvp7jKTWAKQlH_ZmD1Zma2XkuHj3Happ3JLccwjligH_OYEfw6eEXPDR7MrJi2pOYaC8TXlHc_hWWJ7TZqVwh9r1QGAXgpos/s1600/IMG_3458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlajDaUymGv7Z7O4iNGANY7PR19USLj8au-gBloeipM00oTvp7jKTWAKQlH_ZmD1Zma2XkuHj3Happ3JLccwjligH_OYEfw6eEXPDR7MrJi2pOYaC8TXlHc_hWWJ7TZqVwh9r1QGAXgpos/s400/IMG_3458.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8jAT2o86-6CYrahNM6p5_j4pnEbeKyLEDfXUZ8-uTvV_9jZBfLtCLcHZZ7CMDNhpcukABvjQ2xLfwN_jQdRkbnLpH1-a87gYd8Zo-GwtHR24A4udSS2wqwZkJ5-ThH7BpogNH3MKKIMq/s1600/IMG_3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8jAT2o86-6CYrahNM6p5_j4pnEbeKyLEDfXUZ8-uTvV_9jZBfLtCLcHZZ7CMDNhpcukABvjQ2xLfwN_jQdRkbnLpH1-a87gYd8Zo-GwtHR24A4udSS2wqwZkJ5-ThH7BpogNH3MKKIMq/s320/IMG_3465.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocoa pods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJJAh_3kEXHeRP5Uc9iEinKXGDCrsR_vtCqQ-of-glv4gh5-mkC5xgmsV0OnSznDV_rh75ui06oGJ8V_W8GgsBBlR2UDjhCwj-Ldk4P8c1BXD-6vwsV-4JBwz7iYbEl0l0RLwBtSsfVZZ/s1600/IMG_3467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJJAh_3kEXHeRP5Uc9iEinKXGDCrsR_vtCqQ-of-glv4gh5-mkC5xgmsV0OnSznDV_rh75ui06oGJ8V_W8GgsBBlR2UDjhCwj-Ldk4P8c1BXD-6vwsV-4JBwz7iYbEl0l0RLwBtSsfVZZ/s400/IMG_3467.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morton Bay Fig trees, used in the filming of Jurassic Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfHpeiF9LUiZmzElVN2g6_QbgljQPoF3g8tBJhWKBXv8wn-miz7fASohnF5AB1ZCQ9Lq1dED2KUNqTbnt4DIrsyivgwmnWL6dGkcbYZnZux0yHIHq9rwj8m1L0JB5L-7LWRjCIpjAJko4/s1600/IMG_3483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmfHpeiF9LUiZmzElVN2g6_QbgljQPoF3g8tBJhWKBXv8wn-miz7fASohnF5AB1ZCQ9Lq1dED2KUNqTbnt4DIrsyivgwmnWL6dGkcbYZnZux0yHIHq9rwj8m1L0JB5L-7LWRjCIpjAJko4/s320/IMG_3483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmgq1xm75BK7HFCPrCL6CkSZASNKRAWDKClyRSIkyoCyaG9xhhGb5brzh5IwFmo46ltchtSGo57-44Wv1ME6BGLIBXQsPJ_KAlNX2ncG3b1Bk6TFpaSsOwmW9W8KNnMRLFyaMNj8NgooU/s1600/IMG_3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmgq1xm75BK7HFCPrCL6CkSZASNKRAWDKClyRSIkyoCyaG9xhhGb5brzh5IwFmo46ltchtSGo57-44Wv1ME6BGLIBXQsPJ_KAlNX2ncG3b1Bk6TFpaSsOwmW9W8KNnMRLFyaMNj8NgooU/s320/IMG_3484.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now it is your turn....get outside, enjoy some early summer inspiration and share!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHSWUtkgfvqPLs2HbHYEvw3GfwRmWllL9R_KOypU-_ZmM7XMqHwyJfcRGkL7fwpsOqS-C3A1YTVZ0hMuV24D7p5AwvUFMAxWAZlmacuXlfMEX-d98jDXELprdFfwfWLn7c_Xm1mWl0CUX/s1600/w08+1019roots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKHSWUtkgfvqPLs2HbHYEvw3GfwRmWllL9R_KOypU-_ZmM7XMqHwyJfcRGkL7fwpsOqS-C3A1YTVZ0hMuV24D7p5AwvUFMAxWAZlmacuXlfMEX-d98jDXELprdFfwfWLn7c_Xm1mWl0CUX/s400/w08+1019roots.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-10928695789462611792015-04-16T15:49:00.000-07:002015-04-16T15:49:56.298-07:00The Process of Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I thought I would share a bit of my painting process. I never take enough photos, because I get involved in painting and all of a sudden a dramatic change occurs. Here is a look at a recent painting. It is on an 11x30" wooden panel.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrXmFtlaUHQRlbDwwtqrO9vE8NNL3p3yDDDDhNvG7WiSsVu2_AJui8ik6A6BtpJ7bPNmWpM-_KCx3_QGzMQGhYz354EJnHCL0apxa_051ttz_5Krm4ZS0BwHqmZJrG2fmIHL2BXBKu8eF/s1600/wnymph+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrXmFtlaUHQRlbDwwtqrO9vE8NNL3p3yDDDDhNvG7WiSsVu2_AJui8ik6A6BtpJ7bPNmWpM-_KCx3_QGzMQGhYz354EJnHCL0apxa_051ttz_5Krm4ZS0BwHqmZJrG2fmIHL2BXBKu8eF/s1600/wnymph+1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink drawing on textured surface</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb65WOiqju6Bp6SsmrxDdhNtpGB40edKd89lp0Yo7UvE6V2HGI-p8ZWDaPF5_Rlr7H7jDQAcDo_Z-e8m2d7q4MU1dIfmOF4Va6N7cbBmtuiR0KGUKXuCUGeDI1FIqUdUGxJbTYlICyMpN/s1600/wnymph+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEb65WOiqju6Bp6SsmrxDdhNtpGB40edKd89lp0Yo7UvE6V2HGI-p8ZWDaPF5_Rlr7H7jDQAcDo_Z-e8m2d7q4MU1dIfmOF4Va6N7cbBmtuiR0KGUKXuCUGeDI1FIqUdUGxJbTYlICyMpN/s1600/wnymph+2.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding some definition - black and white</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWBKyaThp8Lu2IsEx1QGwR1JxiQlRQeSb2fYxSrRuEm0Yj3VgSa3I-V3w6CcHwzxV9oVGeYF8fs26pV0TwZMdseqIen3LNltJmUODBUb-KRT-4GFEiETiWJSXZntF9XjL8M6d2N_4kFpw/s1600/wnymph+2a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWBKyaThp8Lu2IsEx1QGwR1JxiQlRQeSb2fYxSrRuEm0Yj3VgSa3I-V3w6CcHwzxV9oVGeYF8fs26pV0TwZMdseqIen3LNltJmUODBUb-KRT-4GFEiETiWJSXZntF9XjL8M6d2N_4kFpw/s1600/wnymph+2a.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI-08vRGqFh37bP3iE5a6vui_yMPDRQExOcE1CJrO1sV8hMHMmVBtiOybxEn8aF8wOtjFs9t7Aq28yhB5C3EtfjfoYZLlOQ8THh4XVwCpp0TA3LtINrrgDH4tLDheDlxKaeFbHmeR68Rs/s1600/wnymph+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJI-08vRGqFh37bP3iE5a6vui_yMPDRQExOcE1CJrO1sV8hMHMmVBtiOybxEn8aF8wOtjFs9t7Aq28yhB5C3EtfjfoYZLlOQ8THh4XVwCpp0TA3LtINrrgDH4tLDheDlxKaeFbHmeR68Rs/s1600/wnymph+3.jpg" height="400" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neutralized the background - the flower was distracting!<br />Added more detail to the figure. <br />The flower and edge of the collage suggest "ears."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-AqRBauy-KreXu2_38pntbHV0PoZDiIvJMIr8lcli6-fzTg0rWvQZyihiX_iPOjkmypyvnXYlx5E-KK5rImeZseIb_dTJoMc_L5Lv47cEj-A2XTfdk9zwidkMNABPkLL0WDqyrLO5kxQ/s1600/wnymph4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-AqRBauy-KreXu2_38pntbHV0PoZDiIvJMIr8lcli6-fzTg0rWvQZyihiX_iPOjkmypyvnXYlx5E-KK5rImeZseIb_dTJoMc_L5Lv47cEj-A2XTfdk9zwidkMNABPkLL0WDqyrLO5kxQ/s1600/wnymph4.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ears appear and color is started.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvslkzGBRO1gxKxKxHDYwlDmoe9vW-yFflDt3RW6xVBrUC4aDSRtEvJWi0SfgSabt6aH4i3l9-e7sCyA4fcJPw3tu9WUG5vkDHfIcsg_tYY6HXiNS8kb5kOBGd4qtiRTN6g4HtgmgUHzw/s1600/wnymph5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvslkzGBRO1gxKxKxHDYwlDmoe9vW-yFflDt3RW6xVBrUC4aDSRtEvJWi0SfgSabt6aH4i3l9-e7sCyA4fcJPw3tu9WUG5vkDHfIcsg_tYY6HXiNS8kb5kOBGd4qtiRTN6g4HtgmgUHzw/s1600/wnymph5.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is where I got lost in the painting and stopped takeing pics.<br /> Added more color and ink drips to the background.<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18UARJatudbes0xjZJahdWUzxg-m49fWJsdcovVhCNK8JIOKuWJ39J7GSLcYvzgtYszCHax3LH6oflqxBjc3cJBSvI9MIpe3Kd_vZSpZVZ4vhczQVO1tbVnZSZQ7iLfysudv6M3VcZW_r/s1600/wnymph6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj18UARJatudbes0xjZJahdWUzxg-m49fWJsdcovVhCNK8JIOKuWJ39J7GSLcYvzgtYszCHax3LH6oflqxBjc3cJBSvI9MIpe3Kd_vZSpZVZ4vhczQVO1tbVnZSZQ7iLfysudv6M3VcZW_r/s1600/wnymph6.jpg" height="640" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8f6bj20F8Osr5EwoEIhNw_nyQ8ni_I1cxLrGE_KbDek1we2wa7hPy7evorxjUGEnRqb55ZB-nlUHOXXxEtu1WPnvNkd0SQ2-EoyfYboLtvFn3hMF9r6m8Vyp-D-kYgnhF4pbBC3fWeaB/s1600/wnymph7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8f6bj20F8Osr5EwoEIhNw_nyQ8ni_I1cxLrGE_KbDek1we2wa7hPy7evorxjUGEnRqb55ZB-nlUHOXXxEtu1WPnvNkd0SQ2-EoyfYboLtvFn3hMF9r6m8Vyp-D-kYgnhF4pbBC3fWeaB/s1600/wnymph7.jpg" height="640" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the face. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wishing you inspiration!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blessings,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Karen</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-36440657648518917112015-03-24T15:02:00.000-07:002015-03-24T15:02:07.849-07:00Preparing for a Show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKS-sNpFz-zto9eLq4Ie4o_N_FWud07FB4idT7qDlQkbPnlmLAE40ps4FSs-cPw0aOV6p5_UA8OJadsto28qqFH1WIr22vAZszmUlg93KogS2Fm1x59PJmXYwFUhPk4qMYaxvxIP9s39t/s1600/15102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKS-sNpFz-zto9eLq4Ie4o_N_FWud07FB4idT7qDlQkbPnlmLAE40ps4FSs-cPw0aOV6p5_UA8OJadsto28qqFH1WIr22vAZszmUlg93KogS2Fm1x59PJmXYwFUhPk4qMYaxvxIP9s39t/s1600/15102.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Preparing for an outdoor show is not for the faint of heart. I have been "preparing" for <a href="http://www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal/featured-artists/" target="_blank">Artwalk</a> which takes place April 25-26 this year, since April of last year. First I committed to doing the show, filling out the forms, paying the booth fee and being accepted. Pressure was increased when I was selected as one of the Featured Artists for the show - extra publicity and extra stress to create the best art I can make. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once accepted to a show I go through my inventory of art to see what I have that is new, since I did the show last. I set the art up to get a visual of what it looks like as a group. Do I have enough large pieces? Is there a range of sizes and prices? Do they go together? This is where I start making lists of what needs to be done. The real work of preparing starts here.....I am ordering supplies, designing postcards, doing an inventory of bubble wrap, bags and receipts for sales, checking things off my lists. All this and I have not picked up a brush yet! I am officially a month away and am still painting, trying to "round out" what I am going to bring.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNvlC0ScF5tHjvT1npLyIjgnnfdkqfkhwpiTkd_jLS4dQORdvJjuQBRikxdPDBdsDRMWLMur0_p2kRB4FmEHXdKceLGE8O0bJ_j2nvCLxEy8ihQGxQVUMYejY4LWCmP6gMJf07qyabMmN/s1600/_MG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNvlC0ScF5tHjvT1npLyIjgnnfdkqfkhwpiTkd_jLS4dQORdvJjuQBRikxdPDBdsDRMWLMur0_p2kRB4FmEHXdKceLGE8O0bJ_j2nvCLxEy8ihQGxQVUMYejY4LWCmP6gMJf07qyabMmN/s1600/_MG_3810.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a booth hanging system that is essentially 7 standing wire racks that get dressed up with a black cover. The art has to be arranged on these panels in some sort of pleasing way. Once I am done I will set up the booth on my patio, hang the paintings, take photos (so I remember where they go) take it all down and start wrapping each piece to protect it for packing in the van. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will be setting up the night before the show, so all I will need to bring the next day is my survival kit - hat, sunscreen, water, sketchbook, ipad, money and lots of snacks. Eating messy food when you are trying to talk about your art does not work!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Knowing I prepared well for a show really helps my confidence on opening day. The nerves are still there, but I know I can be proud of what I have brought to share.</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-55917127385191904762015-02-10T16:01:00.000-08:002015-02-10T16:11:08.718-08:00Creative RenewalI just returned from San Diego where I atteneded a party announcing me as one of the <a href="http://www.artwalksandiego.org/missionfederal/featured-artists/" target="_blank">10 Featured Artists for Artwalk 2015.</a> It is a huge honor and it was a fun party!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmGi1P5qnj05wPUKuzb7xcIviIMoooiyfNLCFc1GesK4PssCVqIKsFFomPelhm2zyniPoqEsbob5xt1kjJsK0pZj3IkKCdaOKyIXMWahg0_0U_ZbxBDLiIGMe8E6QGPPa8-sm4GfKydoj/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmGi1P5qnj05wPUKuzb7xcIviIMoooiyfNLCFc1GesK4PssCVqIKsFFomPelhm2zyniPoqEsbob5xt1kjJsK0pZj3IkKCdaOKyIXMWahg0_0U_ZbxBDLiIGMe8E6QGPPa8-sm4GfKydoj/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My display</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">I had to ship my display art, so I decided to send my canvas panels and a smaller canvas piece. My canvas panels are made of unstretched canvas 24" x 48." I sew a pocket for a dowel on the top and the bottom for hanging. They are large, but can be rolled up and shipped easily.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Vvg1R_slM7r_pHAe5g8IHHSwykrndgea6jT_nWLTx0HNM5UkoCtzQYDNnE2KARaF8U0ufgaHeHzIlogcqiqsHa1gjuohYo3ngRk5kW9PvhZedhELx0R-ISDjxSZXeKyNADTcPzMelO0/s1600/14113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0Vvg1R_slM7r_pHAe5g8IHHSwykrndgea6jT_nWLTx0HNM5UkoCtzQYDNnE2KARaF8U0ufgaHeHzIlogcqiqsHa1gjuohYo3ngRk5kW9PvhZedhELx0R-ISDjxSZXeKyNADTcPzMelO0/s1600/14113.jpg" height="400" width="165" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUew5GM7L14mLGl973WDNHqSpYSMEF8VIMzd1U1yyEiFxPdeeqLdShA8fgf_XeoZAo3CJCq2tSoChWDVG9Q9vis5vlc3wR_Y7VVSFWdUkHUS8WN6_JyPX8012SqFaw3Q6b73YdsPnoiYA9/s1600/12130honey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUew5GM7L14mLGl973WDNHqSpYSMEF8VIMzd1U1yyEiFxPdeeqLdShA8fgf_XeoZAo3CJCq2tSoChWDVG9Q9vis5vlc3wR_Y7VVSFWdUkHUS8WN6_JyPX8012SqFaw3Q6b73YdsPnoiYA9/s1600/12130honey.jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5LckRG8JCLTOv954xrUTnJo2nsvj-E-5s8Gxllr5DUKnX7jAePqE4CatmmhZQysswB8MuZq-Z4BbmZXikPKGEp67H8U5bloEdmppkkLCF5Yt7-nZlcM2VWOE_-yUevJLFuBKQ96zXU39/s1600/14114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5LckRG8JCLTOv954xrUTnJo2nsvj-E-5s8Gxllr5DUKnX7jAePqE4CatmmhZQysswB8MuZq-Z4BbmZXikPKGEp67H8U5bloEdmppkkLCF5Yt7-nZlcM2VWOE_-yUevJLFuBKQ96zXU39/s1600/14114.jpg" height="400" width="160" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Y2ri7IbtjZqwz0qGIknq4w-PHMiTqH3qB9jW0AZLJdCJMHqrIWANk8rkWRq2_ysKYpVbseqXu6GKzVZPFIEW_0hB5SJV_ilCNjOFirlc_3CskK156v-WHjqwKM8UtmptsKzk0dEpwUU/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Y2ri7IbtjZqwz0qGIknq4w-PHMiTqH3qB9jW0AZLJdCJMHqrIWANk8rkWRq2_ysKYpVbseqXu6GKzVZPFIEW_0hB5SJV_ilCNjOFirlc_3CskK156v-WHjqwKM8UtmptsKzk0dEpwUU/s1600/FullSizeRender+(1).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I brought additional pictures to share.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtqOlUBUZspUCc8mpo-UIzmhHrrOtRj0ICmuucP_YHzo_-MPNXUcAnag1mmMzVGOLey0DPvEzhL5ULDlcWtJe6nw7UOmOSiwhqaW7BppQLMw_wkVmw6gCyi-ugsn5NOYQlh6FCLnfpOZ9/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtqOlUBUZspUCc8mpo-UIzmhHrrOtRj0ICmuucP_YHzo_-MPNXUcAnag1mmMzVGOLey0DPvEzhL5ULDlcWtJe6nw7UOmOSiwhqaW7BppQLMw_wkVmw6gCyi-ugsn5NOYQlh6FCLnfpOZ9/s1600/IMG_0231.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Talking with guests. There was a local news crew filming the event (the bright light!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the event, we travelled to Los Angeles to have a mini vacation. I played with some of my photos in instagram and thought I would share....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvgqkN0K-qgn_4mI9K-hCnpi-M7Y2xNCL7OjklDD5IkXdFD0CvAdLU0V3t6RlwGUoY26H9EmI_w47qrLU3xJEaZZhi8pvuaDinDLChPoDbiPQ-toTfzcPTdBuBUi8adge2dOIFalwYRdV/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDvgqkN0K-qgn_4mI9K-hCnpi-M7Y2xNCL7OjklDD5IkXdFD0CvAdLU0V3t6RlwGUoY26H9EmI_w47qrLU3xJEaZZhi8pvuaDinDLChPoDbiPQ-toTfzcPTdBuBUi8adge2dOIFalwYRdV/s1600/IMG_0241.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lunch at the LA Farmers Market. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWNL6ONUumpq6qzvkYW64p5SBVMPC3JBRqLSvkEKSGfOgt0Sjen1H0z-coJo_ZEgy1AQt-zJBnjyXR38FX50DHCxNk-mYXvXhe3Hxtaq-gsLh3ttjuLEW9GAfMy_yeMFUswGO8P5kJi6p/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBWNL6ONUumpq6qzvkYW64p5SBVMPC3JBRqLSvkEKSGfOgt0Sjen1H0z-coJo_ZEgy1AQt-zJBnjyXR38FX50DHCxNk-mYXvXhe3Hxtaq-gsLh3ttjuLEW9GAfMy_yeMFUswGO8P5kJi6p/s1600/IMG_0242.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
View looking up from the lobby of the Bonaventure Hotel. If it looks familiar, tons of movies have been filmed there.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXpPuM7GI1cSZe8Ozyyrj54u0CIMxtny9YR4o-Rb00p8_pVbtEDYyGWZNEPr1TyNMCLaqsIeRY6IUEk4efK4kQl-DW-cDEhpuh6FNLjANjQs0BcaOtjIaElPeRVNUyyJjU7GzwdtCTaK0/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihXpPuM7GI1cSZe8Ozyyrj54u0CIMxtny9YR4o-Rb00p8_pVbtEDYyGWZNEPr1TyNMCLaqsIeRY6IUEk4efK4kQl-DW-cDEhpuh6FNLjANjQs0BcaOtjIaElPeRVNUyyJjU7GzwdtCTaK0/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunset view from our room.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9h9c4QvJd190imMJ_ncjNtmS_n_1PnHdSbaNr_1174vkHETYr9D0XjAa_FuN0F6TtVVBU2nu7REHOIVzWpqtOWq9Wb5uOVrFNpx2nusOdt6T1MFiLqNSQzZDX-zIGAM67zBviiq59X5o/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9h9c4QvJd190imMJ_ncjNtmS_n_1PnHdSbaNr_1174vkHETYr9D0XjAa_FuN0F6TtVVBU2nu7REHOIVzWpqtOWq9Wb5uOVrFNpx2nusOdt6T1MFiLqNSQzZDX-zIGAM67zBviiq59X5o/s1600/IMG_0244.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were within walking distance to the LA Downtown public library. This is a water feature at the entrance with the addition of rain! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This trip was an inspiring and wonderful break. It reminded me that it is important to get away from the daily routines once in a while, in order to recharge your creative soul. I had been working in the studio writing for the last 2 months, not doing much art. With the manuscript finished, I am raring to get back to painting and seeing what will happen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-45555284154104357222014-11-10T13:26:00.002-08:002014-11-10T13:26:57.759-08:00Book Progress<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogvQXfuZegwmm-Opvg-HgEzRsE2jM5j37-6FymOlNyY3b3HesASie3ZiKo9x0ds0HXNvl81gKwGrjxtrYzmsdiyhtYZoisVYQR5ttUo6iSVk-YDwb4BYmj3AUopwuqZB-FrOX7raznRwN/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogvQXfuZegwmm-Opvg-HgEzRsE2jM5j37-6FymOlNyY3b3HesASie3ZiKo9x0ds0HXNvl81gKwGrjxtrYzmsdiyhtYZoisVYQR5ttUo6iSVk-YDwb4BYmj3AUopwuqZB-FrOX7raznRwN/s1600/IMG_2606.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My studio for 5 days...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have been pretty quiet for a few months as I am continuing to work on my book. I just retured from the photoshoot in Cincinnati, Ohio. I had no idea how involved writing a book would be. There are so many people that become a part of making it happen, from my editor Beth Erikson to the folks that will try to get Barnes and Noble to carry it and a ton of creative people in between. Everyone I met from F+W was so nice, professional and supportive, which made it all worth the stress.<br />
Making art, knowing that you will only have 5 days to finish all the photos, is pretty stressful. Creativity on demand!<br />
On the last day we filmed a short tutorial on one of my exercises. I was super nervous, but once I started teaching, I forgot about the camera. I think I did ok....we will see when I view the video!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-1jF8LuvvOC52vyTDpCoF9QcMeJEyEwY7sT3z2Ai5P87NIvOpKKNbToNwjTYhzrm148fLcR9INR-mXjVJgDkKK9fa6XpkFJp4WaqzY88ngSGx5_46bTxazoNhfI1flex2BstMDd3xL7g/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-1jF8LuvvOC52vyTDpCoF9QcMeJEyEwY7sT3z2Ai5P87NIvOpKKNbToNwjTYhzrm148fLcR9INR-mXjVJgDkKK9fa6XpkFJp4WaqzY88ngSGx5_46bTxazoNhfI1flex2BstMDd3xL7g/s1600/IMG_2702.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My editor Beth and me before the video....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQajhYPNGIkBAISNDNH1aVWNOYpfaNISYL8vmkpJVm4tT07eSFy5uT3aIiTK_3Qq1JeLZTrn-GLyEkpybZYoQv_ldffBEn2hwNr_yVwU-t4Xdeh1e8t_ueXk1aTfvDfJA6jMSsUApUGAe/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQajhYPNGIkBAISNDNH1aVWNOYpfaNISYL8vmkpJVm4tT07eSFy5uT3aIiTK_3Qq1JeLZTrn-GLyEkpybZYoQv_ldffBEn2hwNr_yVwU-t4Xdeh1e8t_ueXk1aTfvDfJA6jMSsUApUGAe/s1600/IMG_2703.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My photographer Christine behind the camera....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are some sneaky peeks at some of the artwork I made during my week stay....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWNJnRuYKgb1sL_wHSivSS51U6eorQrKUkzsoc5q6vH5V5b0J-yZzzBQe0QJ1abwxvb-Es3UuM7QJhlOzrrz64Xh9vjDxa68IBYH5kBRYU2kybBICaKDzmBJhT5dn-sSQAh6ZIUBm8ju2/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWNJnRuYKgb1sL_wHSivSS51U6eorQrKUkzsoc5q6vH5V5b0J-yZzzBQe0QJ1abwxvb-Es3UuM7QJhlOzrrz64Xh9vjDxa68IBYH5kBRYU2kybBICaKDzmBJhT5dn-sSQAh6ZIUBm8ju2/s1600/IMG_2668.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-YJxzVrYsyEdY8wUNVrlAJbO-DWgkp0xP7oFwbzB9uvCNv_5E2Hzlzcp7pn9GXTJ5eFJ4AMKPUsmz3G5WqOfF90cfU67aP_BXXzxTWgpj0f4TBfzsLEkmhJ3RBqRWFvaaA6Gv5vmYJLQ/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-YJxzVrYsyEdY8wUNVrlAJbO-DWgkp0xP7oFwbzB9uvCNv_5E2Hzlzcp7pn9GXTJ5eFJ4AMKPUsmz3G5WqOfF90cfU67aP_BXXzxTWgpj0f4TBfzsLEkmhJ3RBqRWFvaaA6Gv5vmYJLQ/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmyfheOUvyltkkVNc4FSyYsQ-rSB4GjDVy7_T8xOBIHjytBMoZeqLZPaQ23njgMwrayRakF4sz3JRZ6XVLaON4jgsy6BwdVE7H9aET67BA8ofWGWpZy5iZGTAFi7RkvYp6-v7p37OCWj9/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmyfheOUvyltkkVNc4FSyYsQ-rSB4GjDVy7_T8xOBIHjytBMoZeqLZPaQ23njgMwrayRakF4sz3JRZ6XVLaON4jgsy6BwdVE7H9aET67BA8ofWGWpZy5iZGTAFi7RkvYp6-v7p37OCWj9/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time to get back to work...I have text to write and can not wait to be painting again...</div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1166341815"></span><span id="goog_1166341816"></span><br />Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142559415286770186.post-21928386058491757092014-09-12T12:40:00.003-07:002014-09-12T12:41:12.617-07:00Unexpected Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just got back from spending 5 days painting in Portland, Oregon with <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://jessereno.com/" target="_blank">Jesse Reno</a>.</span> If you want to loosen up, I definitely recommend taking a class from him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This was a promised break from teaching, writing my book and my daily routine. It had been weeks since I had been able to paint with abandon - no deadline, no expectations....except one. I expected to push myself to resist over working, let go and embrace the raw marks. This is my 3rd year and I keep returning because I always take something new away and I relish being able to paint with a group of like minded folks. Normally I paint in relative isolation, as I am sure many artists do, but every so often I need to create with others. I finished (I think) 3 pieces during the 5 days. I love the first piece, even though it is pretty close to my usual paintings. I worked on 3 separate 16 x20" boards separately, then shuffled them until I could see the possiblilites. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is how they started:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPZXjWW_wug1X8jDWm77hf6pP8hRbg8p0dunyi3j29v11oqogYMs2sPprMZI-ule59976QYk_2djt0II-FMNHZmS3jaZA3Cu0GLfqvKXBhUn5_zp0BQceHLdWZJYi17WNaPAfbW9Ne0xI/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUPZXjWW_wug1X8jDWm77hf6pP8hRbg8p0dunyi3j29v11oqogYMs2sPprMZI-ule59976QYk_2djt0II-FMNHZmS3jaZA3Cu0GLfqvKXBhUn5_zp0BQceHLdWZJYi17WNaPAfbW9Ne0xI/s1600/IMG_2387.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfswzf3oGFJt6CKj-AWwsJmW9RJvI1CJvopwMtoyx2RsSAENykyAyOyuilQVp2aVJTQVmyuA3BLR1Rw5jF7aPfD0CT1ASOqBUM9Pd_tnADH1Fd8RUCa3zzP-_20vnRcQdWBKWSDyH7CyRB/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfswzf3oGFJt6CKj-AWwsJmW9RJvI1CJvopwMtoyx2RsSAENykyAyOyuilQVp2aVJTQVmyuA3BLR1Rw5jF7aPfD0CT1ASOqBUM9Pd_tnADH1Fd8RUCa3zzP-_20vnRcQdWBKWSDyH7CyRB/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2iAPzFz6CrV4N1s4n9ZMbh2WiXSfHA-83pXxGf0xEONZGIClW-fEcy-Oy9d-VI0gRChGeYEvIW2SuhSu6bUy6qR3bspyhXJdcWCxkk4cabnuNjQeka27hQyyq1E9xiWKM5-EFka3EJ5T/s1600/octocrp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2iAPzFz6CrV4N1s4n9ZMbh2WiXSfHA-83pXxGf0xEONZGIClW-fEcy-Oy9d-VI0gRChGeYEvIW2SuhSu6bUy6qR3bspyhXJdcWCxkk4cabnuNjQeka27hQyyq1E9xiWKM5-EFka3EJ5T/s1600/octocrp.jpg" height="640" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished....It can be displayed like this, but also like the process photo above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The second painting went a bit faster as it started with a ground I had done previously....</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivleYTor-9pDKO5XKJ-g7RXTm2UAXG6rzh92xeQUGMVB6NafthDXNPYRn1TMbQAtCejMUSZJNa9ff06B1Q3dXVDbOsvD1t8lQu5sBMoQAkNOd-RIysToDlJKN226njD_YKHHbHWGJx6evc/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivleYTor-9pDKO5XKJ-g7RXTm2UAXG6rzh92xeQUGMVB6NafthDXNPYRn1TMbQAtCejMUSZJNa9ff06B1Q3dXVDbOsvD1t8lQu5sBMoQAkNOd-RIysToDlJKN226njD_YKHHbHWGJx6evc/s1600/IMG_2421.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start...I gave it to Jesse to do his thing first.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4SerxnRQ2XKOOQboqT5cyz_lfEycaP9lhTqLUz3K5IM-iPCqQJjXCcRySNKSUdRYMNlMA9tD5jHLjsMJSWfvI6_yjr4XmYBXv6n7scHi89mWzgkK4L6oIpwb9_jX4u_wGW4LrwgrVnV7/s1600/IMG_2436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS4SerxnRQ2XKOOQboqT5cyz_lfEycaP9lhTqLUz3K5IM-iPCqQJjXCcRySNKSUdRYMNlMA9tD5jHLjsMJSWfvI6_yjr4XmYBXv6n7scHi89mWzgkK4L6oIpwb9_jX4u_wGW4LrwgrVnV7/s1600/IMG_2436.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not loving it....I basically painted what Jesse had started, so I flipped it upside down and kept going...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLAREuM_3Or_e3n3VkD7Cd90TLj6RsEGs7yaOv8_sLUwjrRVW08-Kix8xycH_88fDigNjb8yqFSHESR1-7AZSAzfC5D1ZkkQNp_f9OQybVpUiYTyizx0scHm9gnAH51HHrZGYb5tplmAY/s1600/IMG_2438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWLAREuM_3Or_e3n3VkD7Cd90TLj6RsEGs7yaOv8_sLUwjrRVW08-Kix8xycH_88fDigNjb8yqFSHESR1-7AZSAzfC5D1ZkkQNp_f9OQybVpUiYTyizx0scHm9gnAH51HHrZGYb5tplmAY/s1600/IMG_2438.JPG" height="317" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finish..."Tonic" to my tired brain!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My breakthrough piece happened so fast that I did not get progress photos. I found a concert poster outside the studio on a phone pole and added it in with my paint. The figure just emerged.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tJeKkJuvUhaajEB9kqUO6-KcE-RCRSLkSQ26UvYv6zugyUTMfvumPQmNCJig6lbN6NrFszA-2GTz29_9NN5mV9D_X1gHUqzFZv_L5plnNiVMqU8kJIM8Gs33cDFGC9WoB43HeQZSEppJ/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3tJeKkJuvUhaajEB9kqUO6-KcE-RCRSLkSQ26UvYv6zugyUTMfvumPQmNCJig6lbN6NrFszA-2GTz29_9NN5mV9D_X1gHUqzFZv_L5plnNiVMqU8kJIM8Gs33cDFGC9WoB43HeQZSEppJ/s1600/IMG_2450.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wanted to refine the face, but resisted, keeping it pretty raw.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was 5 days of unexpected results and pushing past my usual urges to pretty things up. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There is great value in pushing yourself to move past your comfort zone. </div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more </span></b></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee;">painful than the risk it took to blossom.” </span></b></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #181818; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span><b>― <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7190.Ana_s_Nin" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Anaïs Nin</a></b></span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Karen O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09644368651723814729noreply@blogger.com0