Monday, December 30, 2013

Nesting, Wrapping up 2013

After lots of teaching and travel, I felt the need for some quiet time. This involved cleaning the studio, moving furniture (actual and intellectual) getting rid of stuff  I no longer use and above all, staying off the computer!! I have been nesting, playing, enjoying family. The holiday season is when I begin my reflections on what was accomplished this year and planning my goals for next year.
During my "quiet time" I had an awesome weekend in San Francisco for window shopping and trying out my new camera.


I  have plugged in my sewing machine and been making a few dolls and teddy bears. It is so fun to work with fabric again, I forgot how much I loved it!
 

I finished my last painting for the year. It was done on a piece of a closet door we recycled into a canvas for me! It started out as lots of collage and texture and evolved into this "moth" like girl. It is all about transformation...how will I transform in 2014?
 

I have been preparing class proposals for 2014. I am so excited about the class I will be teaching at Art-Is-You Petaluma in September. 2 days of painting my favorite subjects - Folk and Fairy tales! Click the link under Pages on the right for more information. Registration goes live January 1.
 

 
I treated myself to a special journal to work in this year. It is handcrafted with a soft leather cover and handmade watercolor paper. I am anxious to dive in, trying to get over the "what if I ruin a page" stage, so I did a test drive on the last page!..... If you are interested, here is the link to Iona's website.
 


 
 
Lastly....I have been published in Lesley Riley's new book "Quotes Illustrated." An inspiring and magical collection of quotes illustrated by many artists in many mediums. A great book to own and give as a gift to a creative friend!
 
 
Wishing you a happy New Year, full of curiosity and creativity!
Hugs from the studio!
Karen