The Wrap Up

Proud Arabian Mare
currently at auction

The wrap up before school ends for summer is a frantic time. The weeks seem to speed up and the days are a blur. That has been the case here in the household and studio this month. As fast as I try to get things in gear for the summer months the faster I seem to keep falling behind. It is always at this point in time when unexpected jobs come in.

This past weekend I was treated to a china painting commission with hydrangeas. These are one of my favorite flowers to look at, enjoy and paint. I was very satisfied with the way this box came out as I was going for a soft watercolor feel. It was commissioned to present and hold pearls as a gift. The new owner was very happy and that always makes me happy too.

China painted box

The long hours spent with the PAM came to a conclusion this past Sunday as well. It is with heavy heart I will let her go. I've enjoyed the process of learning with this one. Some pieces just teach you more than you can ever expect. These photos are the few that I just love. Her hairing came out as I had envisioned along her neck. That was most definitely my favorite place to paint.

Face detail on PAM

Hairing detail on PAM

What I Made Today

Bloody shoulder PAM

I made a few things this week. I finally made it to finish on this Proud Arabian Mare I've been working on for months. Her production was time consuming but oddly satisfying. I'd get my brushes out and just fall into the "hairing trance". It was so theraputic. I took a few more shots of her before her tail was complete. As much as I'd like to keep her I must let her go. She'll be up at auction soon. Maybe Friday of this week?

I really had fun on her

Will be up for auction shortly

I also made some drawings. Mice...mice...mice.....what else would be on my brain once I get a crow quill in my hand? I loved the gal mouse with the little yellow dress on. She was my favorite. Just something about how floofy and billowy her dress turned out in ink. I captured movement just the way I wanted.

Mama and Baby
mixed media

Siblings
Mixed Media (for sale please email me.)

Mouse with the Yellow Dress
Mixed Media


Other things happening here in the studio is that I am preparing 2 more Lil Pumpkins for painting. I only have about 6 unpainted resins left for sale and Im happy about that as I seemed to have planned the run size appropriately. Last thing I need is extra stock. I must say that I am getting much enjoyment out of adding paint to my own sculpture. Its almost like putting clothes on a Barbie. Although, I must admit I hated Barbie as a little girl. I hated any doll of any sort. It was all animals and horses for me.

Well, off to the studio again!

Back

Proud Arabian Mare in progress

Well, I guess you could say I took a bit of time off from blogging. I sorta felt the need to be away for a while. Some weeks are just like that. You need to get away and break routine. There hasn't been much happening in the studio to be honest. I'm working steadily on visiting commissions and posting the photos and outcomes as fast as I can up on the official studio Facebook page. It's been easy to post quick sentences there. (Here is the link if you'd like to check it out: The Art Of Jenn Danza)

In between the commission work I have managed to make some serious progress on the sales PAM! I'm incorporating new techniques and am loving the freedom and ease of fine oils after the pastels are applied. I can sit quietly for hours just adding detail and not have them dry so fast or get frustrated as the extender dries too quickly. I never felt a connection with oils outside of canvas work but I'm happy to say that I feel happy and at ease using them most recently. The photo of the PAM was taking rather quickly with the camera on my phone. Its blurry with very little detail, but I do promise to get a nice shot of her soon for you to see. I feel confident in showing one side of her head soon.

My gal Falcon laying an egg

My hens have all started laying eggs. It's been a most exciting time here in the house and I must say that the eggs are delicious! I absolutely love the position the hens get into right before they lay. Its a beautiful compact shape that I am dying to capture in both pencil and clay.

After The Wake

Our tree blooming beautifully

Weddings and funerals are regular events in a large Italian family. You think that there would be no inspiration to be found at this point in such events, but oddly enough being at the wake, seeing family again, and saying goodbye to Uncle Johnny gave me new found energy and many inspirations. I hit the studio on full speed this week and want to share with you some of the things that are transpiring.

Firstly, I've been trying to bisque fire and glaze many, many vessels I just never got around to finishing. I figured if I do a little at a time I'll have a nice table full again come next Christmas. Lord knows it will take until Christmas to fire all that I've created already. Only problem is, I think my kiln is a bit ticked off that I'm making her work so hard. Just look at this mess!

My kiln is angry

My LORD that is NOT what I had envisioned!!! Not sure what to do with these pieces, but the larger one will get experimented upon. I hope to learn some new things cause it is truly killing me that I ruined a great shaped vessel in stoneware, non the less.

Horses are on the brain too. Not only did I open up my commission books today for another sm sized slot but I got the bug back to start my Proud Arabian Mare. She has only been waiting for me for about a year now. I'm trying to hone in on a pretty color for her. How I love this mold. It's so feminine and graceful.

Gals getting their primer on

Of course, the Working Girl resin was totally tempting and a "must nab" for me. I was dying to paint her and sorta hope whom ever wins the commission slot tonight might have one of these gals to paint. She's pretty hot!

Getting her coat

PS...Pumpkin the pony had to be put on the side. I'm just tired of looking at her. Tired of trying to see what exactly is wrong and tired of trying to rush her. :/