Saturday, February 20, 2016

Clearing the Clutter

There is a lot to be said for clearing out clutter. What is clutter? Clutter is often unmade decisions... unanswered questions...like where should this go?..do I still want/need that?...could someone else get more use out of it? Passing things along that one no longer uses makes space for moving forward. It also brings a new energy, not only to you, but to your space.

How do I know? Because I've done it. I had a space I hadn't used in years. It was my former pottery studio. An injury led to my having to quit making pottery and deciding what to do with everything was, well, depressing and overwhelming. The building sat idle for years, gathering dust and mud dabber nests. I was outgrowing the bedroom I had converted into an art studio and the solution was just outside the backdoor.

Late last fall my husband and I took a deep breath and began the task of clearing and cleaning out the building. We sold some equipment, donated items, threw some away and organized what we wanted to keep. Once that was done, we cleaned the building from top to bottom, while discussing what changes needed to be made to convert it into an art studio. We added insulation, paneling, lighting, and a new sink. Once it was painted, it was time for more practical shelving and climate control. By the middle of January, my husband, who was the designer, builder, plumber and contractor, handed me the key. (Yes, I DO know how blessed I am!)


A force was set in motion the day we determined to clear out that space. With the clutter gone and things clean and organized, I felt my creativity begin to expand. An added benefit is that it spilled over to my husband, too! It began with making a decision not to hang on to things no longer needed and made room for untold possibilities.  

Friday, February 5, 2016

My Adventure in Acrylics Continues

Portrait Study #2, 8"x 8", Acrylic

I am having a blast painting portraits in acrylics! This is the second one I did. The next three didn't fall off  my brush like the first two. Glad it wasn't the other way around or I may not have wanted to pursue acrylics any further.  I know what happened with the ones I did after the first two...I switched to a smaller brush, and a filbert at that. It wasn't THAT much smaller, but I've never much cared for filberts and that combination is what I blame. That's my story and I am sticking to it! Back to flats for me, and a BIG one. 


Thursday, February 4, 2016

Acrylic Workshop, First Assignment

"Drea", 8"x 8", Acrylic
I am currently taking an online acrylic workshop, offered by Chantel Lynn Barber. I have long been an admirer of her work and an online workshop fit right into my schedule. Acrylics are a new medium for me and one in which I have never had instruction. With guidance on which materials were needed and tips on using the Masterson Palette, I launched on a new adventure.  I have to admit that this is the best time I've ever had making art and that says a lot! Anyone within earshot of my studio would have overheard  a very joyous declaration of FUN, FUN, FUN!!!