More Drawing...

Received quite a few requests to show more drawing. Felt like drawing some faces. You'll have to excuse the video. It keeps going in and out of focus. I need to figure a way to get that to stop, but for now here are two more videos. :)

Shards

My tile from the Flying Heart
Terra Cotta Tile Fund

As requested by Sarah Mink I've gone ahead, pulled out the tile I was given for the Flying Heart Terra Cotta Tile Fundraiser and destroyed it before midnight. The project is over and any that were left unfinished were asked to be destroyed.

I was planning a great scene with two little mice holding onto the heart right there in the middle of the horse. A pure love explosion! The seashells came out perfectly and were to be the most serene backdrop for my lovers. I had it all planned then I never finished the piece. I feel terrible as my vision for this piece was unique and I really wanted to see if all the elements would work out well in the end.

As requested by Sarah I took a hammer to it tonight and smashed it. It sort felt good to smash some china on purpose.

Smashed to bits

Researching....

Researching ambidexterity as it interests me. I've always been comfortable using both hands. Some days I actually draw better with my left hand than my right. Not sure why. Just thought it would be cool to share.



Sorta rushed through this as
my video function doesn't give much time

Obviously....

And the big reveal...eek!

Obviously I've pissed off the kiln gods. Scrambling to find a way to smooth things over and appease.
Eek...

Today...

Mini Scarlet getting finishing touches
and a tail extension.

Ok, prepping the work station kept my mind occupied for less than half a day. LOL I am however, still enticed by the Tennyson poems this week. I just love the way he writes. It's a lovely escape.

Tired or not I can't seem to stay in a tired foul mood for long. So back to work I go. I believe I have come to somewhat of a finish on the Mini Scarlett. Appaloosa patterns have always enticed me and it's very easy to get lost in their hair patterns. Once the owner of this little gal asked for her to have some hair extensions I decided to take a break from hairing and just let my eyes rest. Although I matched the tail nicely I never do feel like I can execute the "style' of the original artist spot on. It's close and lovely, but each sculptor's hand is different. No matter how hard one tries to copy the original there is just something missing. I think it's just the artist's spirit. You can never recreate that.

I'll be setting up a table at the local Christmas/craft fair this coming weekend and have a bit of pottery stock left over to sell from last year. I also decided to rid my stock room of many of the porcelain pieces I had on hand for china painting commissions. I've decided to explore roses as much as I can on these pieces as roses truly frustrate me. I figure that at some point I'll just paint so many of them it will just click fully. I think I'm 1000 roses left to getting it. LOL These are just a few of those pieces being produced this week for the sale Saturday and Sunday.

I guess in the spirit of "Cyber Monday" I should also mention that I have a few horses for sale. Stuff from my collection and a few things that just maybe didn't get enough "air" time and were missed. I'll try to post them tomorrow.

China painting on porcelain
creamer and sugar bowl

More roses on porcelain
Paper weight and necklace medallion

"Over the dark world flies the wind
And clatters in the sapless trees,
From cloud to cloud thro' darkness blind
Quick stars scud o'er the sounding seas:
I look: the showery skirts unbind:
Mars by the lonely Pleiades
Burns overhead: with brows declined
I muse- I wander from my peace,
And still divide the rapid mind
This way and that in search of ease."

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

More Sketching

I'm not quite sure where I'm going with all of this, but it feels right and my soul feels happy. So onward I sketch. What is pretty cool is that these are just snippets of characters roaming about in a town that is unfolding in my brain. It unfolds like a movie. Slow at first then it speeds up and I have to visually grab the characters and pull them on the side, study them and flesh them out on paper. Once the movie starts rolling I just have to run, grab paper and start sketching. I'm on a most exciting journey.

More sketching...










I must confess that this guy is my favorite from this sketching session. There is just something so endearing about his will to go on despite his physical deformity. Perhaps he just reminds me of my little gal Nala who I know I must put down. The time has come. Her tumor grew....there is nothing more to do I'm afraid. Even in her awful state she continues to inspire. It's time though and I've grown selfish with her. Perhaps that too is why I Iove this sketch. In a weird way it immortalized her willing spirit one last time before saying goodbye.

A Blue Pencil...

Sometimes it just takes one supply to inspire a drawing session. Not sure why this Prismacolor pencil caught my attention tonight when I was fumbling through my desk, but I was able to flesh out a few character sketches I've had on my mind. I also let my hand let loose with the equine form, which still continues to elude me.

The first sketch is my favorite tonight. I'm going to further explore this guy.

A Collection and An Oberon

A Rose "Oberon" in
progress. Will be FS soon.

I've been silent because I've been working with Divine Rooms on some decorative painting jobs which has taken me away from the studio. I'm enjoying the work and find that when I come home to the studio I can't wait to put some glaze on some horses. Each job you work on inspires the rest it seems. This Oberon is being glazed with very light washes of dark bay. It's a time consuming process, but the richness that is produced is worth the time spent.

I also have been meaning to share some of the hearts from my "heart collection" with you. Most recently I've noticed hearts everywhere. I started to take shots of them with my phone and have quite a collection growing. I think it's pretty wild. None of these images have been altered. What you see is what was there right in front of me. Some of them (actually most) appeared when I seemed to need a little pick me up. :)



My Heart Collection:

Oct 30th, 1989...

Octobter 30, 1989 changed my life. That was the date of my interview at Pratt Institute so many years ago. Every year I take a moment to stop and reflect on my life as a person and artist on this date. Today I stopped and reflected with a pistachio muffin.

Green through and through

If You Were Curious....

If you were just a little bit curious about one way to china paint here is one of the methods I like to use. It's a "wipe out" method that I find very relaxing. Just layer on the color, blend and wipe out your image. Fire.

A clean piece of porcelain

Add color


Blend the color with a silk sponge.


Wipe out image and then fire.

More to be added...

If...

Quick shot of studio desk

If you visited me this is what you'd see on my work desk. I like to work several pieces at once as this keeps me very ingaged and fresh and it's quite a lot of fun for me to juggle several pieces at once. Today I enjoyed working with oils and used some dry brushing techniques. I could feel the artist's high kickin' in almost immedately. Oh yes, the artist's high is real. It kicks in with one or many good projects....and it IS addictive.

Imp resin to blanket appy

After two weeks I start going crazy without art. After three weeks I go insane and if more than five weeks pass I'm just a pile of goo not comprehending much of anything. I've learned that art is the only thing that has remained true in my world. It always teaches a good lesson, it always brings joy and it never disappoints. Never. I can always rely on art. Always. So...my bets are on art. ;) Of course, sometimes art throws a strange curveball which I've learned to be ready for. Check this paper out!!! It was so much fun that I had to purchase the notebook when I was in Staples. I could totally see words on the lines and illustrations to accompany the lines above. I never knew such paper existed. You learn something new every day and hay, if you want to snare an artist dangle pretty notebooks or cool paper in front of them. It works like a carrot....every time!

Waiting for words and images!

Calculating the Time

New glass pendants drying
on the windowsill.

I calculated the time I've spent away from the pottery wheel the other day. It's been close to a year now.

It's not that I don't want to be at the wheel, it's that a lot has happened since last year and when I sit at the wheel I find myself just staring at the clay mound going round and round. I guess the spinning wheel is just too hypnotic. There seem to be so many imaginary pieces of a vase strewn about the floor that I just can't seem to find the time or the energy to pick up but a few small pieces at a time. Clay has been the casualty in my life at the moment and I suppose I should call myself lucky that this was the only casualty. I still have a urning to paint small intricate details on 3" figures for hours. This creative desire has helped me accomplish much on my commission work. Hour after hour working a 1/4" spot has been so oddly soothing and addictive. Crazy, I know.

Mini Fabrizio in silver dappled dun.

It was just there...
on the floor of the post office...
waiting for me.

Weird things happen when one starts picking up pieces of imaginary broken vases. Odd things that tell you you are not alone. A song will come on that reminds you of a loved one that has passed away or you start remembering things you long forgot. Im my case its been visual...I've been seeing hearts everywhere (I'll share them with you soon. I take a photo every time I see a heart.) This past week the visual image was a holy card. Someone obviously held this card dear. It must have been with it's previous owner for months, maybe years. I almost felt bad picking it up off the floor, but at that moment it dawned on me that whomever owned it before me was long gone and would probably understand that I needed it more now. Since finding it I feel a strong sense of calm as it has been gracing my workspace.

So, to whomever lost it, I promise...I will take very good care of it.
Thank you.

Happy!

Apple Store Midtown Manhattan

Happiness!

Such relief and happiness today in the studio. After traveling into Manhattan to have my Mac looked at the Genius Bar I was happy to discover that my problems were caused by a faulty power plug. Happiest $80 for a new fix I think I've ever spent. I literally expected the worst.

It felt great to be on the trains again. The sun was shining in the train cars for part of the ride which made sitting inside oddly beautiful. It was just a typical Wednesday traveling from Brooklyn into Manhattan, but for some reason I felt a new sense of freedom and happiness just sitting there with the sun streaming in. I still cannot pinpoint the cause or root of the happiness, but I let myself sink into the blissful moment and even enjoyed getting lost around Central Park.

I have to confess that after all this time living in NYC I have yet to see more of Central Park. I have yet to venture to the many attractions the city holds and that included the beautifully designed Apple Store in Midtown Manhattan. The store literally captivated me. It was all glass with a huge spiral glass staircase which led one down to the store. It was so asthetically pleasing outside AND inside. Even the employees were pleasant and knowledgable and check out with an Apple product was mind boggling. The Apple Tech pulled out a phone, pushed a few buttons and then swiped my credit card right on the phone-like device. In two seconds everything was paid for and I was handed a fairly swanky bag with my purchase. I just stood there taking in the organization of the entire store and the beauty of every aspect. Everything was so well organized and well designed. It was a very pleasurable experience all around.

:(

:(

MY computer totally died. Although I welcome the quiet I am finding away from the cyber noise I feel like my legs have been cut out from beneath me. I'm at a stand still in parts of the studio. Hopefully I'll be up and running....soon.

Home...

Traditional Leaf shot

Home...

There is nothing quite like going home to relax and readjust. This visit to PA was spectacular. Not only did I get reconnect I had a most wonderful walk in the woods with one of my childhood friends whom I haven't seen in well over 25 years.

It is strange to think about how much time has passed between us yet how easily we were able to catch up. It was as if no time passed at all. Our personalities have pretty much stayed the same throughout our respective journeys and sitting and talking with my friend for hours that early Sunday morning was not only truly uplifting, it was spiritual. I am looking forward to hiking and talking with her again soon.

Of course, what hike wouldn't be complete without some photos? Just a few of the shots I took on the trail in the mountains of PA. I sorta consider this my backyard.

At the very top of the mountain

Cheeky little bugger
Can you see him?....

Of course packing up and coming back to the city was tough. Every time I return I find something "odd" has happened. Either a pet has run off or they have died or something crazy is in full steam and I walk into it. This time around I found the religious statue of Mary I am currently painting (cause if you are an artist and are Catholic you KNOW you'll be painting everyone's statues) covered with worms. I have no IDEA why or what these things are, but they certainly have a sense of humor. It definitely lightened the reality of being back here in this city.

Mary with her Man-stash

New Pendants and a Mini Maj

New Glass Pendants

I've been plastered to my studio desk these last couple of weeks. It's been a trying few months for me and a sabbatical away from work was actually not a very good thing for me. I need to work. I love to work and with all that has transpired in my life I am finding that nothing calms or rejuvinates quite like working and creating at my desk space. I feel somewhat sane again. I have ventured into playing with glass tiles and I'm finding it rather fun. The final effects are very stunning and I made a few pendants for Halloween which I think I'll have for sale soon.

Mini Maj in buckskin going grey
Currently For Sale

I also finally finished the Mini Maj and found the exploration in oils on this guy to be very fascinating. I loved how the transparency of the lighter colored oils were able to bring richer depth to the piece without creating a "chalky" appearance. I quickly started a Mini Fab after I started experimenting with the glazes on this guy because I wanted to make sure I captured the same effect but in silver dappled dun. Im very hooked on oils and glazing at the moment.

Woaha!

Woaha!
Bolt caught the other day during a storm

Wowha...

It's been a long summer, but as of this week I am officially back in the studio and picking up where I left off earlier in June. I took a much needed break and I am happy to say I am ready to be back at my studio desk. Problem with breaks is if you are in them TOO long you don't want to work and being poolside for most of the summer did wonders for my tan and infused some laziness in my work ethic. Of course, I did have some other stuff going on that needed attention, but as life goes on so do I. Afterall one cannot just sit around waiting for stuff to happen or for things to right themselves. We make our destiny.....and with that thought in mind I continue work on:

Quick shot of Mini Crusher

A Mini Crusher in dappled grey.
A Mini Fabrizio in dappled silver dun.
A Mini Maj in buckskin going grey (who will be a sales item very soon).
A Lil Pumpkin and some bases for those gals.
A Mini Scarlett in the most beautiful appy (I love my appies!).
A Halfie set.
...And I've started exploring some jewelry making. Just a little pendant creating which has helped me loose myself in fun. It's always important to just have fun.

My commission books will be opening again once I get a bit more done on current commissions. Well, back to the studio! It's good to be back.

Hangin'

Hangin' about

I've been hangin about here watchin my son swim and the summer fade slowly into fall. I'm actually looking forward to fall and a new season. I should be back in the studio fully by the 2nd week of Sept. I've been working on a few commissions and made some slow but steady progress this summer. I have a Mini Crusher that is just coming out lovely and I'm excited to share him with you all. There are a few other things to share as well and I hope to do that soon.

Absolutely NO Excuse....

Days Floatin' By...

There is absolutely no excuse for slackin' off on the blog. Well, ok....maybe there is: SUMMER!!!

It's been wonderful just loungin around the pool and taking in the sun. I felt as if I needed a bit of a break from blogging to be honest. It also doesn't help that both my Exilim and my Kodak Easy Share need repair and taking photos has been a bit challenging as these small cameras made it very easy to keep bloggin. I guess I could get used to taking the photos with my phone. In any case, I have alot to share with you. From cool Lil Pumpkins Im painting to a Mini Crusher to the horse head I sculpted in class. There is so much to share. But....tomorrow. ;)

It's About An Hour....

Needed items for an adventure

It's about an hour before my new adventure begins.

I'm most excited to be entering a classroom again and very excited about starting my sculpture classes. The teacher was very pleasant to talk to over the phone and I was thrilled to hear that there is a filly skull in the classroom. I've already told him that I'll be working from that bone these next 4 sessions. I'm so excited.

So with my bag almost packed with the few things I feel I need to take.....that is: camera, sculpting book, some samples of my work and one of my favorite books given to me by a dear friend, I am off on a new adventure!

ABC

Three Lil Pumpkin's in progress
Want your own Pumpkin?
Only 3 more U/P remain from the run.
Click here for info.

A is for
Appy.



B is for
Bows.


C is for
Commission.

That's all I know till this Wed when I start studying sculpture with Mr. Carter Jones at The Complete Sculptor in Manhattan. I'm excited about the progress made on these three Lil Pumpkins and about attending an art class again.