Everyone deserves a Compliment.

So here are the results of my journey down the path of color theory. I LOVE color: saturated, pulsating, vibrating color that pulls you into the art! Complimentary colors!

 As you can tell my main complimentary study was the relationship between Blue and Orange. Now I will let you know I mixed my own orange- no just squeezing it out of a preprocessed orange acrylic tube here. Also I used fluid acrylics whenever possible to create that watercolor transparency of layers to build up depth. But for an extra punch I did mix in some heavy body acrylics to pick up some texture. I used some of my handmade paper as my base. If you look at the edges of the paper you can see the delicate fibers. I love the texture of the light weight paper. I definitely plan to make more of this type of paper in the future. It was done using the Japanese method for paper making.

Here are some websites I discovered when I went exploring online for a lesson on Color Theory.

http://www.tigercolor.com/color-lab/color-theory/color-theory-intro.htm

This one below is very interactive and great for web designers:
http://colorschemedesigner.com/#


Enjoy,
Sandra

Life on the Mountain

"mountain series" set of three mixed media 2.x 2 inches on handmade paper.

Here are three of the many small mixed media projects I have been working on the last two weeks. I have been exploring my abstract visual mind as I was working through some life questions and where it lead me was to this quiet mountain site to meditate and breath gently as I explored my feelings of fear of the unknown through my art.

"I've learned that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."

This quote touched the true meaning behind what I was feeling as I introduced paint to paper (pushing and pulling paint on and off the delicate handmade paper until my mind was calm and my body said it was time to rest). I made this paper years ago and rediscovered it in my studio just last week. 


Enjoy,
Sandra

"United" Minimal Art

Here are some ACEOs I created this week inspired by a new group I joined over at International Union of Mail-Artists (IUOMA) called MINIMAL MAIL ART! To see the individual pictures of each ACEO click on the caption below the image and it will open up my Flickr account for you to view the cards up close.

"United" set of 4 ACEO 3.5 x 2.5 inches mixed media collage.

In addition to creating the "united" series I also created two special cards for my new friends at the IUOMA Minimal MAIL ART Group (Carla and Nancy). Click on their names to be redirected to their personal websites. I am very impressed by there artistic talents and look forward to receiving MAIL ART from them both in the future.

"cheerful" mixed media collage

"shining" mixed media collage

On the left you can see the elements of the collage pieces prior to being glued down using an Elmer's glue stick. You can see the hand painted mixed media paper I cut and punched to create the flower elements. I used acyclic paints with a dry brush technique to create the rough textures.

I plan to make more hand painted paper this weekend. So much more fun then just using designer paper... every page is a surprise waiting to be explored.

Enjoy,

Sandra

ATCs "I AM" MAIL ART

MAIL ART! MAIL ART! MAIL ART! I had to shout it out loud three times one for each sweet ATC I received in the mail. Here are the ATCs I received from some fabulous ladies over at Creative Swaps.

Laura Hummel 

 

Frieda Oxenham:

http://friedaquilter.blogspot.com/

Lisa Robinson

    

 This was my first ATC swap and I have to say it was great to have Lenna Andrews as the host! I highly recommend to anyone starting off with ATC swaps to start with Lenna she makes it look so easy. 

Enjoy,

Sandra

Flowers for a Friend

I had the honor of receiving a beautiful ATC card from Rasz over the Labor Day weekend. She's been a God sent since I started my blog; providing me support and inspiration through her blog posts and personal emails. We decided to do an ATC swap. Check out the "Flowers for a Friend" ATC card she created along with the coordinating envelope. Thanks Rasz! I love it!

"Flowers for a Friend" ATC swap with Rasz

My niece saw it displayed in my art studio on Monday and was tickled with the idea that grown-ups can still PLAY... she made an ATC titled "BFF: always together" to give to her BFF at school. I love it when we can influence the next generation.

Enjoy,
Sandra

Sounds of Peace

So the Labor Day weekend kept me mad busy and yet I still was able to create some new little gems to share. Here are two new ATC cards I made using my hand painted collage papers (canson mixed media 98lb paper) adhered to canson 140lb watercolor paper.

"By The Sea" 3.5 x 2.5 inches ATC mixed media

 This ATC was a lot of fun to create. It went from an abstract to a pulled art seaside view off the shoreline. I just allowed the piece to develop as it wished - every time I looked back on it the seaside story was whispering in my air (waves playfully touching the rock formations insisting I take off my sandals, and take in the peaceful sunset). How could I deny myself such a request.

"Prayer Bell" 3.5 x 2.5 inches ATC mixed media

Thus, it was no surprise to me when my second ATC lead me to draw a beautiful eastern inspired prayer bell that I could envision myself carrying into the dark night's canvas. A soothing sound of meditation accompanying my every footstep as I make my voyage back to my cabin sanctuary.

Slight side view of "Prayer Bell" to show you that it is 3D.

"in medias res" 3 x 3 inches on wood base (mixed media)

In the end the sounds of peace helped carry me in a gentle balance of creating art alongside spending quality time with friends and family on a three day holiday tour. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend.

Enjoy,
Sandra

I am a featured artist for the month of September at Willowing & Friends!

Love it! What a great way to start my day. I just received an email from Tam to announce that I am one of the featured artists for the month of September on her online art community, Willowing & Friends. September is my birthday month so for me this is an early birthday gift. I am so honored to share the monthly feature space along with other amazing artists like Mindy Lacefield, Joanna Haber, and Brooke. 

Trust me you do not want to miss out on getting to know these ladies and the amazing artwork they are creating. Here is one photo of their work just to wet your whistle.

"woddlesworth" by Mindy Lacefield

But for the full effect check out their art at Willowing & Friends and also read more about Willowings & Artist Friends up and coming LIFE BOOK; a year long online workshop (payment plans are available). I plan to register and join in the fun and the opportunity to be mentored by these amazing featured instructors: Wyanne, Jane Davenport, Mystele, Rhomany, Samantha Kira, Connie Hozvicka, Gritty Jane (Jane DesRosier), Adriana Almanza, Goddess Leonie, Jodi Ohl, Bonnie Rose Bryan, Guadalupe Cabal, Effy Wild, Juliette Crane, and Tam!

Registration opens on October 3rd! Classes begin 1st of Jan 2012! You will not be disappointed!

Enjoy,
Sandra