tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47346261705144740692024-02-20T13:28:24.256-08:00Thirty-Five Eleven(pardon the dust while I get this blog going!)Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-71182409300111603182016-08-04T11:05:00.003-07:002016-08-04T11:05:41.562-07:00100 Days Project: the ConclusionLast month I concluded the 100 Days Project. If you aren't familiar with the project, it takes place on Instagram and hundreds (thousands?) of creatives participate in their own way. Before the project begins, each creative decides what he or she is going to do every day for 100 days, dreams up a unique hashtag (so others can easily follow along), and posts every day about what they did that day. It's a strenuous project, to say the least. 100 days is a long time and it is <b>so</b> easy to forget or not have time in a day.<br />
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I tried this project last year and I'm pretty sure I didn't even make it to 30 days, but this year I completed it! I chose to focus on creating color palettes every day. I wanted to do this because I've been more interested in finding interesting color combinations and I knew that if I was super short on time, I could put together a palette in just a couple of minutes.<br />
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To do this, I used the Adobe Capture app. I would either use a photo or walk around where ever I was to find an interesting palette. The app is incredibly intuitive and very easy to use. I highly recommend it if you're interested in saving some color palettes too.<br />
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To create this photos for Instagram, I took a screen shot of my phone BEFORE I saved the color palette. This preserved the little circles showing where I took the color. After you save it, there will still be the photo for reference, but not the circles. Since the screen shot is too big for Instagram, I used the Instagram layout app to size it down. I used the screen shot twice and picked a layout that had a bigger portion on top of a smaller portion. I adjusted the palette and the photo until I was happy with it and then took it back over to Instagram to post. See? Easy!<br />
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Through this project, I found some beautiful color palettes in some unexpected places and that was the big take away for me. These palettes also helped some of my friends and followers find palettes in unexpected places, too, and that was an awesome bonus to this project! Look around friends, the world will surprise you.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-4068983472238978242016-08-02T09:07:00.000-07:002016-08-02T09:07:01.252-07:00August InspirationWhen I was in Washington D.C. in June, I spent a lot of time looking at maps. I was always trying to find where I was or how far a restaurant or museum was from the hotel. As I spent so much time looking at a map, I noticed how lovely the grid was and the visual interest that was created when streets took an unexpected turn or a landmark fell out of the prescribed "grid". D.C. is especially full of circles and diagonal streets, which made the map that much more lovely.<br />
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During the 29 Days of Free Art project that I did last month, I created a graphic map of downtown Salt Lake City. I liked the meditative process of drawing the grid and then the painstaking process of making sure each street was where it should be. "That's State Street. No, that's Main. No, no, I was right, it's State." These are a few of the reasons that I have decided to make maps for this months collection, but I also have a few questions to that I want to answer.<br />
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It should be a great month and I can't wait to create maps for some fun locations!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-72946605583431174452016-07-28T12:17:00.004-07:002016-07-28T12:17:53.067-07:0029 Days Project: An UpdateI previously mentioned that for the month of July, I chose not to make a collection of 10 pieces, but rather create a piece every day and give it away on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meganat3511/" target="_blank">Instagram page</a>. Today is day 28 and I only have two more pieces to go!<br />
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Here's some of the work I have created this month, along with some thoughts on this experience. First, this was an exhausting task. Some days, I was able to figure out the direction I was going to go for several days at a time. This made it not so scary when I woke up in the morning and thought, "what am I going to do today?!". Most days, I didn't have a clue what I was going to do. While this was extremely frightening, it gave me the opportunity to prove that I could generate ideas on demand, if need be. Now, not all the ideas were good, but I figured that completing <i>something</i> was much, much better than giving up and not doing anything. </div>
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Having so little time to start and complete a piece meant that I didn't not have very much time for indecision. When I got an idea on what to do or what direction to take with a piece, I let myself stew on it for a few minutes and then I got to work. I decided early on in this project that I was not going to let indecision paralyze me. <br />
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This process of quick decisions led me to create some unexpected work. So, imagine, I'm staring at a blank piece of paper. I have no idea what I want to do. I grab my water colors because, why not? I pick whatever colors I'm feeling. I put them down. I kind of like the abstract look of it and I stop. I let it dry. It's clearly not complete. Now what? I grab my pens. I scroll through designs in my head. I stare at it. I ask it, "what do you want to be?!". I stare some more. I get a hint of an idea. I look through my pens, trying to find the right color, the right point size. I hesitate some more. I look up when the sunset is. I calculate how long it will take me to do. I stare at it some more. I uncap my pen and get to work. When I finally finish, I love it, but if I had known, I would have done this differently and maybe tried that... That's what the process was like for the majority of the days. Sometimes, I did take it farther and continued with the same idea the next day. Some of this pieces I know is just the beginning to a whole future collection.<br />
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This project was also an excellent opportunity for me to try out some ideas of collections that I've had for awhile. The opportunity was twofold. 1. I was able to try it and identify some difficulties and work out the logistics on a smaller scale. 2. I was able to gauge a reaction of the desirability of the idea in my audience. Now, I don't create work just on what other's want me to create, but for these few ideas that I find interesting, but don't necessarily set my soul on fire, it was nice to see how people felt about it.<br />
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I also loved the opportunity to connect with my Instagram followers more. To win a piece, all I required to enter was a comment answering whatever easy question I asked. I didn't want this process to be all gimmicky. If they wanted to repost the photo, great! If they wanted to tag someone, awesome! If all they wanted was the free art, then just comment! This whole project was to <i>give back</i>, not bribe people for publicity.<br />
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It was fun! It was exhausting! It was stressful! I have a good start on today's piece, but nothing concrete on what I'll be doing tomorrow, so that will be an adventure!<br />
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I'll probably do this again... but not for awhile!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-43182671047129826102016-07-21T17:51:00.001-07:002016-07-21T17:51:26.008-07:00Morning PracticesI am a self-help book junkie and in so many books, the authors talk about how important it is to start your morning off right because it really sets you up for the rest of the day. I've tried a lot of different things in the past eight months or so, looking for things that really click with me. I think it's important for me to be able to say, "Yeah, I tried that and it wasn't for me." when people offer me advice. If any of my practices resonate with you, that's awesome! If they don't, that's ok! I think it's a good practice to recognize when things just aren't for me. Feel that freedom.<br />
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First, I set my alarm for 30 minutes before I actually need to get up. I use this time to meditate and ease into my day. Some days I use guided meditation with the Gaiam Meditation Studios app and some days I just focus on my breathing and clearing my mind. When it's time to get up, I do my best not to linger, but I don't always have the self control! Then I shower and get dressed while my two year old is still asleep. Next, I focus on scripture study and journaling. Journaling has been important to me as long as I can remember and it's an integral piece of keeping my sanity. After that, I eat a light breakfast and then plunge into my day.<br />
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If your days feel off balance, I encourage you to search and try out as many things as possible. Mornings are important to to set up your day for success, don't cheat yourself on that opportunity.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-87260706985492379332016-07-19T08:08:00.000-07:002016-07-19T08:08:17.002-07:00July Gallery StrollI made an effort to branch out a bit for the gallery stroll this month. Usually, we go to the same three galleries every month and while each one is different and the shows vary, I know pretty well what to expect before I arrive. So, this month we went to a new-to-us gallery, the <a href="http://www.cuartcenter.org/" target="_blank">CUAC</a>. Nestled into downtown Salt Lake City, it's a fun little gallery.<br />
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One of the two artists they were presenting was <a href="http://www.franoneill.com/" target="_blank">Fran O'Neill</a>. I was immediately taken in by her huge, colorful paintings. (The photo below was taken from the CUAC website.)<br />
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The colors and the movement reminds me of geodes and I love how natural they look. I spent a good amount of time in her part of the gallery looking at each piece, stepping back to view the overall, and getting close to see the brush marks. I'm not a fan of all abstract art, but I could definitely see owning one of Fran's pieces someday. The quality and the vibrancy is just captivating and enthralling! If you're in Salt Lake, you should check out her show until September 8, and if you can't definitely check out her website!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-74895025996710009522016-07-14T09:36:00.001-07:002016-07-14T09:36:33.695-07:0010 Things I've Learned from My Monthly CollectionsThe last 6 months of creating monthly collections has taught me some valuable lessons. It has been a fun and difficult journey so far, but it has been so worth it and so rewarding. Here are 10 things that I have learned from the last 60 pieces of art that I have created over the last 6 months.<div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265867705/taylor-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_14" target="_blank">Taylor</a></div>
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1. Even though I<i> try</i> to make each collection of 10 a cohesive collection, knowing that I need another idea or direction to go in for the next month has kept me in a state of <b>constant creative thinking</b>. These collections are always on my mind, whether I'm trying to solve problems in my current collection or I'm franticly trying to think of what I'm going to work on next, I'm always hunting for ideas and this allows me to find ideas in unexpected places.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291768887/esmerelda-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_33" target="_blank">Esmerelda</a></div>
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2. Hand in hand with thinking of ideas, I have also found that <b>working generates ideas</b>. There have been so many times when I have had no idea what to do or how to proceed on a piece, but I know that I have to accomplish something on it that day or I will be "behind schedule". So, I sit down with the piece in front of me and I attempt to have a conversation with it. I ask the piece "what do you want to look like? What do you want to convey?" Most often, I don't get the whole idea at once, but I will get a little portion and as I work on that, the next step is revealed, and then the next until it is done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJSata_h8TZmCKrEzizaDxEki_EJlhaNMYZceG_8_IRihkMOMCspEhzOjns88rqOt1d18WSoaRYIY8lLH2HN0tkRjyzhgCDWiyKNQHRvpB604Bcg3ePVcP6O7JWGZTEAnNtzSuuD9QIjW/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJSata_h8TZmCKrEzizaDxEki_EJlhaNMYZceG_8_IRihkMOMCspEhzOjns88rqOt1d18WSoaRYIY8lLH2HN0tkRjyzhgCDWiyKNQHRvpB604Bcg3ePVcP6O7JWGZTEAnNtzSuuD9QIjW/s320/DSC_0068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/397844783/fracture-mountain-original-acrylic?ref=shop_home_active_19" target="_blank">Fracture Mountain</a></div>
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3. This leads right into the next lesson I've learned. <b>Ideas lead to more ideas</b>. Sometimes I'm afraid that if I use my only good idea for a collection, then I won't have any ideas left for the next collection, but you know what, that has never happened. For every "good idea" I use, I think of at least 2 or 3 ideas that I need to decide between for the next collection.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZhIfbgPFCjLRzBFoNMWIi_76_J5dw0B-rq0dnXdSVeUBIRARvOtUcAtfsTnUIa3cHs6906ywBWlBRWKBS7nsws28GXzInfdIcJl7582DLtBhjloFLfK_dYwbMqCvSvo3Z6yaX4S-zmP_/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZhIfbgPFCjLRzBFoNMWIi_76_J5dw0B-rq0dnXdSVeUBIRARvOtUcAtfsTnUIa3cHs6906ywBWlBRWKBS7nsws28GXzInfdIcJl7582DLtBhjloFLfK_dYwbMqCvSvo3Z6yaX4S-zmP_/s320/DSC_0012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273780976/original-painting-in-ink-garrison?ref=shop_home_active_41" target="_blank">Garrison</a></div>
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4. Although, no one is breathing down my neck to complete a monthly collection every month this year, I had decided before the year began that I was going to do this. It's the <b>power of commitment</b> that has made this project a priority. While it might be easy to shirk a commitment that I made only to myself, why would I want to disappoint myself when it's totally in my control to fulfill that commitment? This brings me to my next lesson...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAaLn6Iht_PtPTlG0uiSiByQrHK3zjHsm5ONXi8mP-kYgqNa262tKZStTyyhQlezFNdzBRy-IdZ_MXM0C9CKj7JZMKsW6AhxbcE_Ea4weF_PgI3yUe0UeMmzM-MwtwI7S7j38hhnCPBAf/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAaLn6Iht_PtPTlG0uiSiByQrHK3zjHsm5ONXi8mP-kYgqNa262tKZStTyyhQlezFNdzBRy-IdZ_MXM0C9CKj7JZMKsW6AhxbcE_Ea4weF_PgI3yUe0UeMmzM-MwtwI7S7j38hhnCPBAf/s320/DSC_0024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270230691/original-oil-painting-inversion?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">Inversion</a></div>
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5. Honoring my commitment <b>proves to myself that it's important and I take my aspirations seriously</b>. Some months, it was easy to get all the work done. There was no stress and it just came together. Some months required late nights and saying no to some things in order to work. Choosing to finish my collections at whatever cost has allowed to me prove to myself that if I can work to meet my own deadlines, I can certainly work to meet any deadlines that someone puts on me in the event of a show or a commission. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449806178/what-if-the-sky-was-pink-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank">What if the Sky was Pink?</a></div>
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6. Speaking of deadlines, I quickly learned the importance of <b>planning ahead</b>. For most collections, I don't need to do much planning ahead other than knowing what I'm going to do by the first of the month. For the June collection, I had some preparation to do before I left on my two week trip in order to help me be successful. There's a collection that I plan to complete a few months from now, but I know that I won't be able to complete the drawing and painting of all 10 pieces within a month, so I'm drawing out a couple pieces each month, and then painting them all in the month I plan to sell them. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270336792/nest-high-above-original-painting?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">High Above</a></div>
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7. Along with planning ahead, it also became very important to <b>set a schedule</b>. My schedules always include extra time for an "off day" or a day when I don't necessarily <i>have </i>to do any work, but still remain on schedule. When creating my schedule, I also realized that I don't actually have the entire month to create. Since I post my work up in my shop for sale on the last weekday of the month, I don't work that day. And to prepare for posting my work on the last weekday, I need to have all the photographing, editing, and listings done before that day. I like to allow one day for photographing and editing and another for writing the listings, but I have done it all in one day when I've been short on time.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/278259842/athena-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_41" target="_blank">Athena</a></div>
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8. In working on these collections, I've also learned a few things about my process. If I start with a <b>clear vision</b>, I create a more cohesive collection. For me, this clear vision needs to start with more than one sketch in my sketchbook. I am bad at this. I should probably file this work under "Planning Ahead", but I have a hard time working on sketches when I feel like I should really just be getting to work. However, when I spend the time to work in my sketchbook first, the collection seems to come together more easily.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JZkmFW5urgvZMsXeEkWnbKyS47eDo6jIRFJDJYzeDbytXGhpWpn22XDiDFh0DwtYJNFbO_6wQQkqow-oGnzmxOOTmyLEhP4L3YA-5S9de4MDorFnoHs6aMhZ9CgvoE-9WOzDWGDsXnLq/s1600/DSC_0091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JZkmFW5urgvZMsXeEkWnbKyS47eDo6jIRFJDJYzeDbytXGhpWpn22XDiDFh0DwtYJNFbO_6wQQkqow-oGnzmxOOTmyLEhP4L3YA-5S9de4MDorFnoHs6aMhZ9CgvoE-9WOzDWGDsXnLq/s320/DSC_0091.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291770625/presley-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_38" target="_blank">Presley</a></div>
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9. When I first started creating collections, I thought I would work in oil all the time because "I am an oil painter". Yes, I love working in oil, but I was limiting myself. When I lifted this arbitrary limit, I purchased some really nice pens and learned that I love working with pens. Then I allowed myself to play with my watercolors a bit more and then I realized that I love watercolor and pens together... So this lesson is about <b>exploring materials</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/463289361/central-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_11" target="_blank">Central</a></div>
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10. Just as exploring materials has led me to loves I didn't think I'd love, <b>exploring ideas</b> has illuminated some very interesting things about myself. For instance, I love creating hair, by drawing or by painting, I think hair is a lot of fun. That interest came about very organically as I was looking at some of my work and realized what drew me in. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/397845727/clamber-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_34" target="_blank">Clamber</a></div>
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You know how many artists have their "style"? This, my friends, is a pathway to developing it and it basically comes down to taking yourself seriously (in a good, I mean business kind of way), explore, and do the work. Lots of work. I hope that you continue with whatever commitment you've made to yourself, start a new commitment, and learn from the process.</div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-60866632461230556782016-07-12T08:36:00.000-07:002016-07-12T08:36:55.171-07:00July Collection UpdateI'm only 11 days into my July project of 29 days of free art and it has been quite an experience! On the second day of July, we headed down to St. George for a family reunion and Jake's grandpa's 100th birthday. I knew it was going to be a challenge to get a piece done every day, especially with all of the family festivities, but I managed to get a piece finished every day! The giveaway has been so much fun and I have loved sending out art for the past week and a half. Here are some of my favorite pieces that have now been mailed out to new owners.<br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-26100995771374773452016-07-07T18:55:00.000-07:002016-07-07T18:55:53.620-07:00Art Inspiration in Washington, D.C.While I was in Washington, D.C., I did my best to open myself up to any and all inspiration, especially while I was in the museums.<br />
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One of the first museums that I visited was the <a href="http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb.html" target="_blank">National Gallery of Art</a>. I was disappointed that the East building, with most of the modern art, was closed for renovation. So I spent my time in the West building with all the old masters. Since most of the art I actively search out is contemporary and created by artists who are still living, it was so refreshing to see works by Raphael, Jan van Eyck, Titian, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci. The works of these artists are so astonishing and while I loved soaking in their perfection, I left feeling inspired to go my way and make work that is true to me. But any chance you get to see work by the old masters, take it!<br />
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The next museum I went to was the <a href="http://www.nmwa.org/" target="_blank">National Museum of Women in the Arts</a>. I sort of ended up at this museum by accident and took advantage of the opportunity I had. While I don't usually respond to photographs, the museum has an incredible show on titled "<a href="http://www.nmwa.org/exhibitions/she-who-tells-story" target="_blank">She Who Tells a Story: Women Photographers from Iran and the Arab World</a>" that really struck a chord with me. I can't describe the exhibition with any justice, so I recommend that you check it out on their website, or in real life!<br />
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The last museum was undoubtedly my favorite... and I almost didn't make it there! <a href="http://hirshhorn.si.edu/collection/home/#collection=home" target="_blank">The Hirshhorn</a> has an incredible collection of modern art and a lot of amazing exhibitions by living artists, which is just up my alley! My favorite exhibit was "<a href="http://hirshhorn.si.edu/collection/home/#collection=linn-meyers" target="_blank">Our View from Here</a>" by Linn Meyers . This artist painted huge murals on the walls made entirely out of lines. Being currently obsessed with the power of line, I was particularly intrigued by her exhibition and how she was able to create such texture by such a seemingly simple element of art.<br />
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I loved the opportunities I had to soak in so much amazing art and gathering inspiration from a new place. I returned home with a desire to explore my own city and art opportunities as I do when I travel. I wonder how much I'm missing that is just right here!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-28361577115953518872016-07-05T07:23:00.000-07:002016-07-05T07:23:42.896-07:00July CollectionFor the July collection, I decided to do something different and, for me, daring. Instead of my usual 10 pieces for the month, I am going to make a piece of art every day and give it away every day for 29 days. I'm giving the pieces away on my Instagram page @meganat3511. I'm not setting any parameters on this project, I'm going to create what I feel like in the moment, with whatever materials I choose to use. <br />
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"In it together", is the first piece I made and gave away on Instagram. I will be posting updates on this project several times this month instead of writing a big introduction at the end of the month. It should be a fun project!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GRvq8i_AJNzfA_T8GoYjice1LwV7uvJOwm4NCJYXa00TOezGDdZSadkBgVxLd2Ju6xjJtAPsI7MevGQgEYJJcqufAHKckZ-F2pS3ZKNWidRnF9g9rv-HCwtIRLWVHRPS3KeZ93uKsSsd/s1600/IMG_7352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GRvq8i_AJNzfA_T8GoYjice1LwV7uvJOwm4NCJYXa00TOezGDdZSadkBgVxLd2Ju6xjJtAPsI7MevGQgEYJJcqufAHKckZ-F2pS3ZKNWidRnF9g9rv-HCwtIRLWVHRPS3KeZ93uKsSsd/s640/IMG_7352.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-85367172868366440982016-06-30T08:55:00.002-07:002016-06-30T08:55:09.599-07:00Introducing: The June CollectionBefore I left on my two week trip, I did my best to set myself up for success with this month's collection. Based on work in my sketchbook, I knew that I wanted to make a collection of watercolor "planets" with ink designs. So, before I flew out, I had all ten works painted with at least the base layers of the watercolor and I packed up all my pens and everything I thought might be helpful. <br />
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That first week out of town, I didn't do any work! I was having so much fun adventuring, was up early in the morning, and exhausted at night, and it just didn't happen. The second week, I knew I had to be deliberate in making time. Although I was in D.C. that second week, I was able to arrange my days better and I made the time to focus on my work. Before I got back to Dallas, I had finished three works, two in progress, and one I had a very clear idea for. I felt really nervous about finishing everything up in time for listing the collection today!<br />
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The first piece I finished is "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/463286143/tributary-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">TRIBUTARY</a>". I worked on this piece in the hotel and I felt very held up by fear in starting. When I finally got over my fear, I picked up a grey pen and started drawing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHApavU1cBIauiO762Lt9mWvZsRi4XVuhP8acqvtizrHtTxvS4z0DXqw4VhjkC2LOuf00zFxbMgHEMJhmg9tEXPxgoZONIX4pWMYDFzgAKDN3LIdmvRrd_hyphenhyphen0oFin1T7l4oA-q5RIEo3V/s1600/DSC_0344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRHApavU1cBIauiO762Lt9mWvZsRi4XVuhP8acqvtizrHtTxvS4z0DXqw4VhjkC2LOuf00zFxbMgHEMJhmg9tEXPxgoZONIX4pWMYDFzgAKDN3LIdmvRrd_hyphenhyphen0oFin1T7l4oA-q5RIEo3V/s640/DSC_0344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second piece is "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/463286713/surface-of-the-sun-original-painting?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">THE SURFACE OF THE SUN</a>". I love this piece because from a distance, the painting looks like a simple painted sun, but up close you can see the geometric design on the surface.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyNWVfmlMfdpdUlJakgKJDGvokpqYB16BIxYLvxJYkZkcE7irv0DWD94ObK4utFDgBqCG4HAfR3IV0arDyB0dxBO-iaR4lynu4nTwesnL4rmP8_ar6IvjnQNhjSdmKZcEnBRCapV5TUAd/s1600/DSC_0355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyNWVfmlMfdpdUlJakgKJDGvokpqYB16BIxYLvxJYkZkcE7irv0DWD94ObK4utFDgBqCG4HAfR3IV0arDyB0dxBO-iaR4lynu4nTwesnL4rmP8_ar6IvjnQNhjSdmKZcEnBRCapV5TUAd/s640/DSC_0355.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This close-up shows how the geometric design fades in and out of view based on how saturated the watercolor is on the paper. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzpPY3WN0KYIM1nhYqQo4VMbP3Psx0Ib6M0LUUUvlGTFe-86fae06pHSV_XFuKnAL4tvwbBHWF1mseLvprX1GSolMc2EiW69O5Cd9OT879XwUMqlcmiYVkzsS-IEwHqUpt6_s1EdYPlKu/s1600/DSC_0356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzpPY3WN0KYIM1nhYqQo4VMbP3Psx0Ib6M0LUUUvlGTFe-86fae06pHSV_XFuKnAL4tvwbBHWF1mseLvprX1GSolMc2EiW69O5Cd9OT879XwUMqlcmiYVkzsS-IEwHqUpt6_s1EdYPlKu/s640/DSC_0356.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The next piece, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/463287153/stay-connected-original-painting?ref=listing-shop-header-0" target="_blank">STAY CONNECTED</a>" was finished on my flight from Washington D.C. to Dallas. It was the smoothest flight I have ever been on and I didn't have any trouble drawing the metallic gold triangles. This piece positively sings in the sun and the contrast between the gold and the dark watercolor is gorgeous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsAQvWJnRDgH8w8n_OOZmKC_Psmvf1TZ8nwHLmvWzpNI6pEvjz22_OYErpdQw8Ynzaognbgopru4YVXcJbSfomBf66uM7ga6kC04ZgMnMHn8K3OS0Qku7kggHH4lSj0F2noMKBqX1BGg6/s1600/DSC_0361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsAQvWJnRDgH8w8n_OOZmKC_Psmvf1TZ8nwHLmvWzpNI6pEvjz22_OYErpdQw8Ynzaognbgopru4YVXcJbSfomBf66uM7ga6kC04ZgMnMHn8K3OS0Qku7kggHH4lSj0F2noMKBqX1BGg6/s640/DSC_0361.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449805260/moon-shades-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">MOON SHADES</a>" is a fun piece that is inspired by the movement of the moon across the sky. It's perhaps the simplest piece of the collection, but it is beautiful in its simplicity. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N8_rH12BEE_lBJsCcjbGWuLFX4qOstuECMQqrQCP94hsLznV_m665izjiXhJ4WQPE4SFptIREO0GnQSHqxzpdRMEVJOzL89wf1_JcXDxLzY9eCxgNkqCUZI1OhdRWtEySDxNyPSlUgTG/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8N8_rH12BEE_lBJsCcjbGWuLFX4qOstuECMQqrQCP94hsLznV_m665izjiXhJ4WQPE4SFptIREO0GnQSHqxzpdRMEVJOzL89wf1_JcXDxLzY9eCxgNkqCUZI1OhdRWtEySDxNyPSlUgTG/s640/DSC_0374.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449805560/roy-g-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">ROY G</a>" was an experiment of sorts as I tried out different line patterns on each planet. I love how this piece came out, so it informed my next piece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3adXJC_NDVHSzp9tENv4_wuEnJHEmzXLUdRdd3RqmkJRkEvA2_GLdeYC48kNKzmPqmSHY3m4uC2b50qgcG5NQeFFt_peq9hgLDox4asodrhMxPuspPbdF2n08EIFQiB6jXBM4iZbCf0Eo/s1600/DSC_0396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3adXJC_NDVHSzp9tENv4_wuEnJHEmzXLUdRdd3RqmkJRkEvA2_GLdeYC48kNKzmPqmSHY3m4uC2b50qgcG5NQeFFt_peq9hgLDox4asodrhMxPuspPbdF2n08EIFQiB6jXBM4iZbCf0Eo/s640/DSC_0396.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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In "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449805840/staggering-original-painting?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">STAGGERING</a>", I used more linear patterns on each planet, but I still used the same pen for each planet. I love that the watercolor underneath the patterns is visible and changes the way the pattern appears.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p1UjzTQcWQrvIWs6Vgtr6Zxm8XgaYb_dMkNp8DXYh6bZXzMD2U4QQPKMRd8BsFHtGp-5DxetTFw4wpa6pU9M6ZwyK9ibVBoB__c06twsAidP4gDwdhJNcEu8m-Zo5xywbWKzoK0z_ulv/s1600/DSC_0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9p1UjzTQcWQrvIWs6Vgtr6Zxm8XgaYb_dMkNp8DXYh6bZXzMD2U4QQPKMRd8BsFHtGp-5DxetTFw4wpa6pU9M6ZwyK9ibVBoB__c06twsAidP4gDwdhJNcEu8m-Zo5xywbWKzoK0z_ulv/s640/DSC_0404.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This piece, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449806696/moon-shine-original-painting?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">MOON SHINE</a>", was a favorite from the beginning and I knew I didn't want to cover the movement of the watercolor planet. Instead, I made radiating gold dots and I love the effect it made.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGdvYNdOafA7qyjWVHrWGlF9Y6mN7YeVPC7UD3_ybm-oCVScvaj7qXbsLbX5qCQDTawyDqiK5o0Db6RpphVhe6tLahpumE_yuAK_NDkJca1CG1rYjJg5L6lwqzrbB0sfHJAkI_yOKU2wa/s1600/DSC_0417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQGdvYNdOafA7qyjWVHrWGlF9Y6mN7YeVPC7UD3_ybm-oCVScvaj7qXbsLbX5qCQDTawyDqiK5o0Db6RpphVhe6tLahpumE_yuAK_NDkJca1CG1rYjJg5L6lwqzrbB0sfHJAkI_yOKU2wa/s640/DSC_0417.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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With "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/463289361/central-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">CENTRAL</a>", I created a grid with horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines, but the organic nature of the lines, keeps the piece from being too rigid. The gray grid really pushes the planet forward and I love the depth it creates.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBLozH_0_PeqH6dIwzFHbskhMt_2dcXJDZ-PdHxa9HCs-acbnOb_ouUq_W0kr2AwAa1FholPDRuTaUN3cX7ZHoIO68MTN2yZM1D70HQM4qZIn543_tvrpiFrbwH0dK7WaSmedtzRdo4As/s1600/DSC_0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBLozH_0_PeqH6dIwzFHbskhMt_2dcXJDZ-PdHxa9HCs-acbnOb_ouUq_W0kr2AwAa1FholPDRuTaUN3cX7ZHoIO68MTN2yZM1D70HQM4qZIn543_tvrpiFrbwH0dK7WaSmedtzRdo4As/s640/DSC_0439.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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When I started "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/449806178/what-if-the-sky-was-pink-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">WHAT IF THE SKY WAS PINK?</a>", I knew it was a great idea, but about a quarter way through, I was having second thoughts! The very little triangles that make up the background of this piece were time consuming, but incredibly worth it. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAUUW46hnnj5EBOC43bzEXrPHS5Skhs0ZA33G88LZ-Ckyx49whW6bZXayFJ4dmDfip0WtR1DiJ4v5RCZl12P927NB7IceSV4oxWVXwEULFzNjW8ZyaWqB3yWVgMd-Ezj7a3qpSAOrjKx7/s1600/DSC_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAUUW46hnnj5EBOC43bzEXrPHS5Skhs0ZA33G88LZ-Ckyx49whW6bZXayFJ4dmDfip0WtR1DiJ4v5RCZl12P927NB7IceSV4oxWVXwEULFzNjW8ZyaWqB3yWVgMd-Ezj7a3qpSAOrjKx7/s640/DSC_0447.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7PDjFQlaLIJVBCJTbGw2g2pcHybJo0u-LnYeAXQme-FkmG05M_EiqjaL3l0zod3bnbr3o1qK5JEpTq9PMvBeFiPm_rG3WD5ZaaQFS9chPtRDU0AqaOk4zzZQRniV8KkmILR6qx7w7Tmb/s1600/DSC_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7PDjFQlaLIJVBCJTbGw2g2pcHybJo0u-LnYeAXQme-FkmG05M_EiqjaL3l0zod3bnbr3o1qK5JEpTq9PMvBeFiPm_rG3WD5ZaaQFS9chPtRDU0AqaOk4zzZQRniV8KkmILR6qx7w7Tmb/s640/DSC_0458.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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"ON THE GRID" was the last piece I finished, and just yesterday, too! I was going to make a similar grid as "CENTRAL", but with a finer point pen, but once I had drawn the very thin horizontal and vertical lines, I decided that I loved it and left it. This is the piece that I decided to keep!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB-J-Maq-Yk3d0qyucjxNtOzAZ9LjoOd8vE-V48k45Gq8t63xFz960azYYAxC6f7hfdpCK1C48GKjAkdB4XKl70FSK0CYfiit4uFd4WV29X-h6fQtrRji0fLU_ywGLmhLMnbeaymcl60n/s1600/DSC_0460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilB-J-Maq-Yk3d0qyucjxNtOzAZ9LjoOd8vE-V48k45Gq8t63xFz960azYYAxC6f7hfdpCK1C48GKjAkdB4XKl70FSK0CYfiit4uFd4WV29X-h6fQtrRji0fLU_ywGLmhLMnbeaymcl60n/s640/DSC_0460.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This collection was so much fun to create. Painting the planets and creating the lines and patterns combined a soft and and uncontrolled element with the controlled and rigid pen lines. This is a favorite collection and I intend to make more of these in the future!<br />
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For more photos, information and prices, check out the links of each piece's title.<br />
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-41166743450180004752016-06-28T09:04:00.001-07:002016-07-18T12:32:43.399-07:00Utah Arts Festival 2016The day after I flew back home to Salt Lake City from my Dallas/D.C. adventures, we went to the 40th Annual <a href="http://uaf.org/" target="_blank">Utah Arts Festival</a>. We've made an effort to go every year since we moved to Salt Lake and this year was just as fun and inspiring as the previous years! This year, it was interesting to recognize artist that seem to be there every single year we've gone, but it was so, so fun to see artists and work we've never seen before! I want to share five of my favorite artists from the festival, but there were so many great artists there!<br />
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One of the artists that I didn't know about before was <a href="http://johannamuellerprints.com/home.html" target="_blank">Johanna Mueller</a>. As soon as I saw her work, I was instantly in love with it! She creates relief engravings, monoprints, illustrations, and paintings that tell stories through the depiction of animals. The photo below is taken from her website and it was my favorite piece of hers at the festival. This work is titled "Beneath the Land".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGRXyHpFGna20coBw7E_AnMZNChM9OP3Po9R0WCCpnx5uMnAB_aS0HRnd_r_AxhdwaLoNQN4XokJ983YWhJ8HxqK1rhgvBVCxKtpPFUAJrKmC4dhrC9pLrDMFJWX7xzzfCuSDkKElW_Fk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.29.33+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGGRXyHpFGna20coBw7E_AnMZNChM9OP3Po9R0WCCpnx5uMnAB_aS0HRnd_r_AxhdwaLoNQN4XokJ983YWhJ8HxqK1rhgvBVCxKtpPFUAJrKmC4dhrC9pLrDMFJWX7xzzfCuSDkKElW_Fk/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.29.33+AM.png" width="502" /></a></div>
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The second artist that I want to share is <a href="http://aaronfritz.com/" target="_blank">Aaron Fritz</a>. Aaron's paintings are full of rich color and movement. Although there aren't any photos of his abstract nudes on his website, which are the pieces I really loved, there is still a lot of great work that give the sense of Aaron's style. The piece below is titled "Fourth of July" and this photo was taken from his website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAt7um1ymCLmTvTIBUSzjY_X51kPYIDLobVY9mIXR_DrVVI15ZaOPrlCbu6YHSVp51gzZHYuhBPm_o1V-kWoBCig-Q0dVdIiQvFXDBAnvhb0jY6zwTxC__QcejeJdx3GJtegWR-RscTt/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.37.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GAt7um1ymCLmTvTIBUSzjY_X51kPYIDLobVY9mIXR_DrVVI15ZaOPrlCbu6YHSVp51gzZHYuhBPm_o1V-kWoBCig-Q0dVdIiQvFXDBAnvhb0jY6zwTxC__QcejeJdx3GJtegWR-RscTt/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.37.24+AM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.kevinzuckerman.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Zuckerman</a> is one of my favorite artists and I discovered him at the Utah Arts Festival in 2012, when we bought a painting from him that now hangs in my daughter's room. I hadn't seen him at the festival since then, so I was thrilled to see him this year! Kevin is an amazing artist who has mastered several mediums including oil paint, sculpture in bronze, and watercolor. He has also traveled about Europe studying the masters, which informs the work he does now. This painting, "Red Feather" is similar to the one we purchased four years ago. This photo is taken from his website.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbDGOswmRRcMI2g63GOf1fXYOzra9vIE4i_JF_urz7BUqw5U3KzZNEi4UJFU-BmSnmxwz5SNtptrffHpXj-KufkBSPZxN6tpo8QWymcxze4BBg0NsZen2LW3MZzdme5lHfvR77GB6ddR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.46.25+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSpbDGOswmRRcMI2g63GOf1fXYOzra9vIE4i_JF_urz7BUqw5U3KzZNEi4UJFU-BmSnmxwz5SNtptrffHpXj-KufkBSPZxN6tpo8QWymcxze4BBg0NsZen2LW3MZzdme5lHfvR77GB6ddR/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.46.25+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lesliedukeart.com/" target="_blank">Leslie Duke</a> is another new-to-me artist. I love her artist statement, and I think it says it all.</div>
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25.6px;">As an artist I am continually fascinated with color, particularly with its ability to prompt an emotional response from its audience. My work explores color’s emotive capacity, focussing more on the overall atmosphere created by the color palette of each piece, rather than the actual subject matter depicted. This approach is meant to create a unique visual experience, one that facilitates an inner dialogue by quietly probing the subconscious."</span></div>
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This photo of this painting, "Summer Blues", is taken from her website.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuNeHVVQV2XTuiTbvXvphFg0Ib4NjP85XImTahty5AQALDGnXyPjS4CIoIUElonzhxGAcqLSFVQq2Am97TvAECf-aLNfHcdbDfzVGc8mMJ-OMfr0pFtrvP7JHDiuMFG81N8WV_yxc1Gjx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.53.59+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRuNeHVVQV2XTuiTbvXvphFg0Ib4NjP85XImTahty5AQALDGnXyPjS4CIoIUElonzhxGAcqLSFVQq2Am97TvAECf-aLNfHcdbDfzVGc8mMJ-OMfr0pFtrvP7JHDiuMFG81N8WV_yxc1Gjx/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+9.53.59+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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The last work I want to share with you is by a husband-wife team, Steve and Bonnie Harmston, under the name <a href="http://www.harmstonarts.com/" target="_blank">HarmstonArts</a>. They are fine art printmakers, and I just know I've seen their work before. This duo has a beautiful biography on their website about working together and keeping the process of their hand pulled serigraphs as simple and technology free as possible. I love that they only made small editions. As a collector, I always look for that in prints! This photo below, taken from their website, is of one of my favorite works, "The Color Farm".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hR4xCofA6-_3VpwmXJ_lPDgkMLxqQfm2Ws0AgoJD2XRNHu-C1A_q5ntUBkHtk-SifmyQ0BeJfBEVDQRxP719E7TB9iliMw17SdNdGyDwOjO5lr-I21aGpRCKY8o53fKe3-msEoUkDG14/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+10.03.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-hR4xCofA6-_3VpwmXJ_lPDgkMLxqQfm2Ws0AgoJD2XRNHu-C1A_q5ntUBkHtk-SifmyQ0BeJfBEVDQRxP719E7TB9iliMw17SdNdGyDwOjO5lr-I21aGpRCKY8o53fKe3-msEoUkDG14/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-06-28+at+10.03.13+AM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-25507700996077670732016-06-23T03:38:00.000-07:002016-06-23T03:38:10.845-07:00The January CollectionI started off the year by painting a collection of portraits. All of these paintings are oil paint on 12"x12" canvas. I painted all the backgrounds of these pieces first and then painted the portrait.<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265966476/kaitlin-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank"><br /></a>The first painting I finished is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265966476/kaitlin-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">KAITLIN</a>. I love a lot about Kaitlin and her success encouraged me to continue painting the other nine paintings. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQPJOKxgd4WX5GJp_raKw9EJbc6bLt_WpwERieSQ2CK9FTvAnC3eJ771r8I0JD6K14-A2CEZPK_c-iC7iJblgpGVpkWFzUoOIflNQ8r-N7w8cOlIA6LLPiUx3SckiAdkjQrEZkAXDEmie/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQPJOKxgd4WX5GJp_raKw9EJbc6bLt_WpwERieSQ2CK9FTvAnC3eJ771r8I0JD6K14-A2CEZPK_c-iC7iJblgpGVpkWFzUoOIflNQ8r-N7w8cOlIA6LLPiUx3SckiAdkjQrEZkAXDEmie/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265969876/alex-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">ALEX</a> turned out really great with the cool blues. This is one of those paintings that looks great from far away and really interesting up close. I used a lot of shades of blue and was able to achieve great texture and depth of color. I also really love the background too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX9lwVdPdhPcnXGnXg090Y7gKSG1xb1Dw8UJaDDleI_Jj7OcjXqR3-61AWIvwjOJmU6wD0nShMI7yN8sUvWi3moccwxg1UyXrEqr7B4W7S_d9RsB2OS_e2r01Fq1q0DOiUQxIxZZp-01l/s1600/DSC_0046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnX9lwVdPdhPcnXGnXg090Y7gKSG1xb1Dw8UJaDDleI_Jj7OcjXqR3-61AWIvwjOJmU6wD0nShMI7yN8sUvWi3moccwxg1UyXrEqr7B4W7S_d9RsB2OS_e2r01Fq1q0DOiUQxIxZZp-01l/s640/DSC_0046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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CATHERINE ended up as one of my favorites of the collection and I haven't been able to let her go. The background on this painting came out as an experiment when I ran out of paint and I love how it worked out. This piece is also really great because I can feel the mood it evokes and I feel sad for her. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtPlPIHhJkDOWlu2yVTIu8XZMBg1ER9dK37gcUh_SwHgsGP173QdHnpi9-GrBWFoeffM6C6mVrxw9pDRmLLgfo3PiZg2IiXzZIs5CyTqhDsanDwKVoDtDVM-c1r8OWe9Vqlhyphenhyphen26ACyC03/s1600/DSC_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRtPlPIHhJkDOWlu2yVTIu8XZMBg1ER9dK37gcUh_SwHgsGP173QdHnpi9-GrBWFoeffM6C6mVrxw9pDRmLLgfo3PiZg2IiXzZIs5CyTqhDsanDwKVoDtDVM-c1r8OWe9Vqlhyphenhyphen26ACyC03/s640/DSC_0054.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265970984/gweneth-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">GWENETH</a> was another experiment and I love the dark shading on the side of her face. It was interesting painting that because it started out really small and just grew, and grew until I felt like it was the perfect size. I think it's my favorite part about this piece.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacmeZ_6SVS70lpqbflGqwFxaRZhWOa52EeQN6RA-bny8NnWOADHcfiKbJpPJG_cqn4ptFM2WWLmuOcZgbKuZsjhST8vXeyc6Q9FS-YqLQCpfzKmvuj8u6NEKRChTVSwPMM4pkDv4oDzoB/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacmeZ_6SVS70lpqbflGqwFxaRZhWOa52EeQN6RA-bny8NnWOADHcfiKbJpPJG_cqn4ptFM2WWLmuOcZgbKuZsjhST8vXeyc6Q9FS-YqLQCpfzKmvuj8u6NEKRChTVSwPMM4pkDv4oDzoB/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265865743/evette-oil-on-canvas-portait?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">EVETTE</a> is another cool girl. Instead of the loose and flowy hair that I had been painting, I wanted to try a more structured approach. It definitely makes Evette feel more formal!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWslGmplqOK-Ujv7iSdA37dPrqaCp_6PyuT7mB5HHGtcdP7HWl0RdS6R4VHZSpWCtA0ysbj0obWdTtw9FsYhIo7MrPMJoYWGmwFyA0lHZblqpxSwh-ZzCkTHN-mSUjKZcjLUC98WxTLghs/s1600/DSC_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWslGmplqOK-Ujv7iSdA37dPrqaCp_6PyuT7mB5HHGtcdP7HWl0RdS6R4VHZSpWCtA0ysbj0obWdTtw9FsYhIo7MrPMJoYWGmwFyA0lHZblqpxSwh-ZzCkTHN-mSUjKZcjLUC98WxTLghs/s640/DSC_0069.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265868597/emily-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">EMILY</a> is the first of the second half of the collection. While I never intended there to be a clear difference between the first five and the last five, it just worked out that way. I started to really love the backgrounds and I felt a resistance to painting over them, so I simply decided not to paint over the faces! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNJiXrGVCLj87n-NMS4H1UhwCuwdKGBMw_SQZPpVQghwvJGvIaXosuX9YTGEZpKYeIXg0zZI6dRxNV4Rt4kLGXs-GXaK3Re9RRWEHMWyQ-u3SEFSkwbtuh-ic2wK25viMpRzHvrtjJVPy/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNJiXrGVCLj87n-NMS4H1UhwCuwdKGBMw_SQZPpVQghwvJGvIaXosuX9YTGEZpKYeIXg0zZI6dRxNV4Rt4kLGXs-GXaK3Re9RRWEHMWyQ-u3SEFSkwbtuh-ic2wK25viMpRzHvrtjJVPy/s640/DSC_0092.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265866865/barbara-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=shop_home_active_8" target="_blank">BARBARA</a> is another painting with a very cool background. Most of the backgrounds are monochromatic, so that makes this one a little different. This one was also really fun to paint and kind of a challenge to mix the perfect grays.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGd70EHeRnWaDix14BpaKB6mMrizNevNxtmQlojeoO-uTpo6_FSJT5a0P44X6GOocYquZoqUyVrqFdW9EGg4hHaLybUvej93IbxxWZyzfanywHf-vlvuPs0zlvluxLy8_H1QW2Nmoxvue/s1600/DSC_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGd70EHeRnWaDix14BpaKB6mMrizNevNxtmQlojeoO-uTpo6_FSJT5a0P44X6GOocYquZoqUyVrqFdW9EGg4hHaLybUvej93IbxxWZyzfanywHf-vlvuPs0zlvluxLy8_H1QW2Nmoxvue/s640/DSC_0085.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265867705/taylor-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=listing-shop-header-3" target="_blank">TAYLOR</a> is another favorite because I just love the colors so much! This painting is edgy, bright, and splashy. I love the structured hair and all the clean lines. I will be a little sad the day this painting ships out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY82wMP9ofB528F8I1Hsb8nAZ5IjBIS6y2i1Il-0pWMqXj0RfzVvBHuqFcCzMuPx6NN7QUedBPJ9WDg79HNunzFMPYYwc4mp-2qQpUUQxqPcULtUnvDqWviljYxsdkdcH4bzYA7Ss5hCPG/s1600/DSC_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY82wMP9ofB528F8I1Hsb8nAZ5IjBIS6y2i1Il-0pWMqXj0RfzVvBHuqFcCzMuPx6NN7QUedBPJ9WDg79HNunzFMPYYwc4mp-2qQpUUQxqPcULtUnvDqWviljYxsdkdcH4bzYA7Ss5hCPG/s640/DSC_0101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/265965650/allie-oil-on-canvas-portrait?ref=listing-shop-header-1" target="_blank">ALLIE</a>. The pinks and purples in this painting look so good together. I love the way her hair turned out with its highlights and lowlights. I also really love the background on this one, too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ5_OydgPoVHkNoy7B8YEkoGgDb70z7kSJaU7nEW6wa2w7zbHSF5qW-QMa9dphd5z6zAHELLrig-tVIy4FXedg-hOPaMsLet8y4UGItOzC3PTM32G5rxaGZCSPGQ2DhzUQa2vtbj2Giif/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDJ5_OydgPoVHkNoy7B8YEkoGgDb70z7kSJaU7nEW6wa2w7zbHSF5qW-QMa9dphd5z6zAHELLrig-tVIy4FXedg-hOPaMsLet8y4UGItOzC3PTM32G5rxaGZCSPGQ2DhzUQa2vtbj2Giif/s640/DSC_0002.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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MORGAN is another favorite that I could not bring myself to list in the shop. I love everything about this painting from the background, to the simplicity of her face outline, to the many shades of pink that make up her hair. She is so lovely and I really need to find a place to hang her in my house!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKevB5ImCOrMwWTXDHi63rZl3T0QxhAHqf-mzzNYLRBdH1dOE1D_lte6f5qPWwVdf7kmRf9TSUKQ6oFhlVD7t_iBJZOb7sh821E3QF_pTUhy2lCWvVJFn9ld2l1hm_V_g5ojHHTOV-WWNV/s1600/DSC_0078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKevB5ImCOrMwWTXDHi63rZl3T0QxhAHqf-mzzNYLRBdH1dOE1D_lte6f5qPWwVdf7kmRf9TSUKQ6oFhlVD7t_iBJZOb7sh821E3QF_pTUhy2lCWvVJFn9ld2l1hm_V_g5ojHHTOV-WWNV/s640/DSC_0078.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Eight of these paintings are still for sale in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirtyFiveEleven?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">shop</a> and you can access their listings directly by clicking on the link associated with their names. You can also find more photos, including detail shots, on their listing pages too!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-85052490109796631002016-06-21T04:10:00.000-07:002016-06-21T04:10:06.156-07:00The February Collection For the February collection, I didn't start with a clear idea what I wanted to create, so this collection isn't as cohesive as I would like. Each piece is unique and truly one-of-a-kind!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk5SzMxZWMB2ivl8Pq-2JtYlL5Ui3IxaDy3_Kq5-Rgbt4ujwk3GyhRlzMCBCllZSpXL0kdI71pVSsKdlCYZO_oUcAifB44H06Nx3q8fecNgPH7qn4PhlKprNyvnG9lRuJKUxj9V29bH2f/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOk5SzMxZWMB2ivl8Pq-2JtYlL5Ui3IxaDy3_Kq5-Rgbt4ujwk3GyhRlzMCBCllZSpXL0kdI71pVSsKdlCYZO_oUcAifB44H06Nx3q8fecNgPH7qn4PhlKprNyvnG9lRuJKUxj9V29bH2f/s640/DSC_0014.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first piece is titled "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270329196/multicolor-oil-painting-with-gold-on?ref=shop_home_active_37" target="_blank">A Light Dusting</a>". I love the layers in this piece, but it didn't quite seem complete until I added those gold dots! The dots descend down the canvas and collect at the bottom. For photos of this painting in the sun, check out the listing by clicking on the link.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAaLn6Iht_PtPTlG0uiSiByQrHK3zjHsm5ONXi8mP-kYgqNa262tKZStTyyhQlezFNdzBRy-IdZ_MXM0C9CKj7JZMKsW6AhxbcE_Ea4weF_PgI3yUe0UeMmzM-MwtwI7S7j38hhnCPBAf/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAaLn6Iht_PtPTlG0uiSiByQrHK3zjHsm5ONXi8mP-kYgqNa262tKZStTyyhQlezFNdzBRy-IdZ_MXM0C9CKj7JZMKsW6AhxbcE_Ea4weF_PgI3yUe0UeMmzM-MwtwI7S7j38hhnCPBAf/s640/DSC_0024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next is "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270230691/original-oil-painting-inversion?ref=shop_home_active_33" target="_blank">Inversion</a>". This piece gave me some real trouble! I went through several cycles of "I hate this" and "I love this", but I ultimately like how it ended up. The colors and the translucent layers on this painting make it really interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH2lSgzr5ZczouXJfqSKHrzH1pVfX7xdDn09gtO0zIiMulvLElccdA8OdnQfDr9CVq5wyXzot4Eh3eM4rNLGoNBBwYTBPX0Ryb3OMZhrQBqrMQ-kZur88bl3aDmkcd8e-sNzRDpMG3d5d/s1600/DSC_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkH2lSgzr5ZczouXJfqSKHrzH1pVfX7xdDn09gtO0zIiMulvLElccdA8OdnQfDr9CVq5wyXzot4Eh3eM4rNLGoNBBwYTBPX0Ryb3OMZhrQBqrMQ-kZur88bl3aDmkcd8e-sNzRDpMG3d5d/s640/DSC_0021.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270334802/the-symbol-of-mountains-original?ref=shop_home_active_30" target="_blank">The Symbol of Mountains</a>" started out just like the other two, but instead of dots or lines, I added tiny triangles and one big triangle. The greens and the bronze really complement each other. This painting also shines in the sun and there are more photos of it on the listing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIdOZ43JuvrkfI-WuvkQcC9efz9ngKyi0C9wUM1gY_-ky_kFt6s0hIRXVFjEjyUGPGh5BLuOLsh-3NBPPo_Mw2BVSOPKRFSZWt31TpBjnT8Uizwz4LdqwVfdarS1xjN96kUBE95zH75mw/s1600/DSC_0041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIdOZ43JuvrkfI-WuvkQcC9efz9ngKyi0C9wUM1gY_-ky_kFt6s0hIRXVFjEjyUGPGh5BLuOLsh-3NBPPo_Mw2BVSOPKRFSZWt31TpBjnT8Uizwz4LdqwVfdarS1xjN96kUBE95zH75mw/s640/DSC_0041.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I started working on "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270332182/mixed-media-dead-end-painting-with?ref=shop_home_active_31" target="_blank">Dead End</a>", I purchased inks for the first time and I was dying to try it out. Inks definitely behave differently on canvas than they do on paper, but I still had fun with them! The ink in this piece is the splatters. The background is painted in oil and the silver bar is in acrylic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-4lkJcG1zbEdaikABjm311acraAPeAvhnkLcvmlq73r_wrkqTH2Parmib4oJYFwSS6jNF3O0zgderjNZMU8-0_LXCfETjPHKmjODf4fLdfjX3WYX3duJ7M9Dh3kZz1fFje_Taf5YkHCD/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-4lkJcG1zbEdaikABjm311acraAPeAvhnkLcvmlq73r_wrkqTH2Parmib4oJYFwSS6jNF3O0zgderjNZMU8-0_LXCfETjPHKmjODf4fLdfjX3WYX3duJ7M9Dh3kZz1fFje_Taf5YkHCD/s640/DSC_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270331398/original-painting-crop-circle-with-gold?ref=shop_home_active_36" target="_blank">Crop Circle</a>" is also another experiment. After painting the background in oil, I used the ink to make the blue drips. I thought the ink would drip down pretty easy, but it was actually a bit of a struggle! Then I painted on the god acrylic stripes and used oil for the last black circle layer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY0RTsW5rcHvNE7S7SRwvs7D3yTGWMOVJJXZoIQUrPU9JKokrnsLKX5HLRzgSp8GdyrsZFDff4nULHD8e4WekEr7XKDrZYOJtSLinDJ2lu2rOXtvCT52aPr7oLmhUW9ybWpgIXJ0aPkiK/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMY0RTsW5rcHvNE7S7SRwvs7D3yTGWMOVJJXZoIQUrPU9JKokrnsLKX5HLRzgSp8GdyrsZFDff4nULHD8e4WekEr7XKDrZYOJtSLinDJ2lu2rOXtvCT52aPr7oLmhUW9ybWpgIXJ0aPkiK/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270228745/nest-yearning-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_35" target="_blank">Yearning</a>" is the first of the last five paintings, which actually make a collection in themselves. Nests have been all the rage with a lot of artists, so I wanted to create a few myself! This painting has an background in oil and the splatters and the nest are done in ink. The iridescence of this ink makes this painting glow in the sun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjV76AVwmhg1DszRCNOJNHLLzCKJ6fTbKJsYDzTpbchqzmtC6g-98PTcgSZ1TY1DyN02VW9LhISAFEPFWJl3oJiA8rYkLNCRxWQTGqZPzC2byZOvqbHhdNcNaiSubkn7e9_oR-XR-BvT3/s1600/DSC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjV76AVwmhg1DszRCNOJNHLLzCKJ6fTbKJsYDzTpbchqzmtC6g-98PTcgSZ1TY1DyN02VW9LhISAFEPFWJl3oJiA8rYkLNCRxWQTGqZPzC2byZOvqbHhdNcNaiSubkn7e9_oR-XR-BvT3/s640/DSC_0034.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The second nest painting, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270229445/nest-twins-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_34" target="_blank">Twins</a>", was made similarly. I love the colors in this piece! The lavender background and the deep purple eggs just make this painting so gorgeous!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yZaPjITbZ1ujd2fHkEMfAHX8l9kbn_7spJRJRtCqXW-a-WWzE1LPxVPtdZrr-y-y5Zt5wR6dqNczVbwzbbOC87H-XdTMAbwOJO9VN6TZ9j82XxObDffLlrbDtzxeVyBbWOqTNISw7Bh_/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9yZaPjITbZ1ujd2fHkEMfAHX8l9kbn_7spJRJRtCqXW-a-WWzE1LPxVPtdZrr-y-y5Zt5wR6dqNczVbwzbbOC87H-XdTMAbwOJO9VN6TZ9j82XxObDffLlrbDtzxeVyBbWOqTNISw7Bh_/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a photo of "Twins" in the sun!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BEX-CnDmdlXPhSrS6dIktfVZyODx1OBhxPBUzG-YOPD5I4RwqTxMmn9g28hUkp0Ym4QTlXsf_AKdADlX_GBOoJUOC4PsiBloLEr3ygH2FPq-Fq-nVKlsYlKztEC2I-yVdGxlRB1jJlAz/s1600/DSC_0036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BEX-CnDmdlXPhSrS6dIktfVZyODx1OBhxPBUzG-YOPD5I4RwqTxMmn9g28hUkp0Ym4QTlXsf_AKdADlX_GBOoJUOC4PsiBloLEr3ygH2FPq-Fq-nVKlsYlKztEC2I-yVdGxlRB1jJlAz/s640/DSC_0036.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270336792/nest-high-above-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_29" target="_blank">High Above</a>" is the only nest painting that I did not use iridescent ink on. The nest is still made out of ink, but it's change in values comes from the ink pooling or thinning on the canvas. I love the organic feel of this piece and it's definitely a favorite!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4A26bNbCeed6jWq2P2kjKRaMp63k7fJvaPSPY3eAEcad8PTiLRrN4PdGro1D-xXEQ0F3Fn0x9KiB1xuLkI13Uiij_63qzjEWTDRND4XMHsDwoJz6znmNWrdUqpo_52HOBEptf2ZqhsI-/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4A26bNbCeed6jWq2P2kjKRaMp63k7fJvaPSPY3eAEcad8PTiLRrN4PdGro1D-xXEQ0F3Fn0x9KiB1xuLkI13Uiij_63qzjEWTDRND4XMHsDwoJz6znmNWrdUqpo_52HOBEptf2ZqhsI-/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/270233225/nest-the-gold-egg-original-painting?ref=shop_home_active_32" target="_blank">The Gold Egg</a>" is another favorite because of the colors of this piece, and, gold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc5PZqGKUr9ep76Y9L9NZv2M9FUrYPAjGsV5G8ki35FgFMVzJj9RdTa5-9RxlA6L_OEK0d7m0RoIksE7cdpPsHGJ077Rth1bju2C-1sUdwXFdSmAzqFoFIAyMcVugA0WJkICOeaWmn_v6/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEc5PZqGKUr9ep76Y9L9NZv2M9FUrYPAjGsV5G8ki35FgFMVzJj9RdTa5-9RxlA6L_OEK0d7m0RoIksE7cdpPsHGJ077Rth1bju2C-1sUdwXFdSmAzqFoFIAyMcVugA0WJkICOeaWmn_v6/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The close up of "The Gold Egg" shows the shine of the ink in the sun and the texture of that one, tiny, gold egg! The photos of this painting really don't do it justice!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskk9kodICUTpR_B6zb0UIukJLMNvsFEg27BKJDikna9DwbjH5XY4ePVQS1DEJDQ4eUxyF-yN3gV94jnRKHxXSXbRuHDf1NoWF0YeL4Fz82r0SwAynBErsCuWu-Tkgqf1r4kS82M73_Ouf/s1600/DSC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskk9kodICUTpR_B6zb0UIukJLMNvsFEg27BKJDikna9DwbjH5XY4ePVQS1DEJDQ4eUxyF-yN3gV94jnRKHxXSXbRuHDf1NoWF0YeL4Fz82r0SwAynBErsCuWu-Tkgqf1r4kS82M73_Ouf/s640/DSC_0039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The last painting, which is still untitled, is the one I chose to keep. It was really hard trying to choose which piece I would keep for myself out of this collection, but in the end, this monochromatic painting with the magenta pop of the eggs was just too good to let go.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32818ppuvjyJIdvY_q1XMIhaltiGXfVtcD0eUynWaiNJl5XwlT4RgStiA1lYXb7jxdrs-qlyKB368x9ME-JFIzpJmnTsnsP6a0AIRoFVfD5Csq4wEn0K2Ss0vrmdYtXJzy9nuXP2ixHCR/s1600/DSC_0077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32818ppuvjyJIdvY_q1XMIhaltiGXfVtcD0eUynWaiNJl5XwlT4RgStiA1lYXb7jxdrs-qlyKB368x9ME-JFIzpJmnTsnsP6a0AIRoFVfD5Csq4wEn0K2Ss0vrmdYtXJzy9nuXP2ixHCR/s640/DSC_0077.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I mean, look at this painting! <br />
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For more information and photos of any of these paintings (except the last one!), check out their listings on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirtyFiveEleven?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-20866327365227601692016-06-16T14:18:00.000-07:002016-06-16T14:18:47.394-07:00The March CollectionFor the March collection, I took my inspiration from the <a href="https://queencityartswap.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Queen City Art Swap</a>'s "Faerie Tale" theme. I decided to focus on castles and I tried a new medium... ink! Ink is a lot of fun to work with, but I found there's a steep learning curve!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAM1FT8OS2-nq8Do4L_mcoLc6HJETEpu3mGu7w7_xxmYPLzo41-usFqObZk0cvyML7fDfjDh9hAqL7s3LxDhZLfB0jTi09A2gvXioSVsdzyf7zmgYIB3Et7LKnFfYtVbxszZcmN5YWiQl/s1600/DSC_0051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeAM1FT8OS2-nq8Do4L_mcoLc6HJETEpu3mGu7w7_xxmYPLzo41-usFqObZk0cvyML7fDfjDh9hAqL7s3LxDhZLfB0jTi09A2gvXioSVsdzyf7zmgYIB3Et7LKnFfYtVbxszZcmN5YWiQl/s640/DSC_0051.jpg" width="410" /></a></div>
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My first castle "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273775784/original-painting-in-ink-shadows-and?ref=shop_home_active_27" target="_blank">Shadows and Mist</a>" came out very nice. I love the fluidity of the bottom of the castle and the softness it adds to the rigidity of the rest of the castle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIvQPfHlyXHkYVYNA5UuLPodLJoN4zF5FiFz1F5AXNAUnS6yV6wDcSFXMiG7wXyzxPxCAZSqdgJIRyDPZ_JB0m31Xi6YavdU2gJH9elpZwLCGQxrVZJfgH6G9MwsWZfaZVPQpVYZHbrJk/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIvQPfHlyXHkYVYNA5UuLPodLJoN4zF5FiFz1F5AXNAUnS6yV6wDcSFXMiG7wXyzxPxCAZSqdgJIRyDPZ_JB0m31Xi6YavdU2gJH9elpZwLCGQxrVZJfgH6G9MwsWZfaZVPQpVYZHbrJk/s640/DSC_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next is "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273778998/original-painting-in-ink-dripping?ref=shop_home_active_25" target="_blank">Dripping Courage</a>" I love this lavender! This painting didn't turn out as fluid as I was hoping, but I do love how the drips build an under structure to this castle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcL1tTrA5RREAE11_MQK7PISkFSaUpusB4PELjyRBdLWYHuq4MDw8RiD9fgiXJ_ah_gaDja8jt7vMH5Uq0nk-fjQdTdRjUCilnSzyzcSsJjHRllScLim4JCI5vDYqHLT9mVjmJ5zGaENP/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdcL1tTrA5RREAE11_MQK7PISkFSaUpusB4PELjyRBdLWYHuq4MDw8RiD9fgiXJ_ah_gaDja8jt7vMH5Uq0nk-fjQdTdRjUCilnSzyzcSsJjHRllScLim4JCI5vDYqHLT9mVjmJ5zGaENP/s640/DSC_0001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another purple castle, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273781312/original-painting-in-ink-above-the-haze?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank">Above the Haze</a>" is a definite favorite! This photo shows the iridescence of the ink. I love how this castle appears to have been built on a cloud!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcEWerklwkk7AMjZPcOKBq_32D3FPh_5VvTAcgH8ZgRf5DIgSaaBxd1GbgdRRBdu8tRoxL49XHx3vzTFGSpV_kXLKNpkLzVFklz0yp5eD2VvMMyT8XDS1xavEMskM6FPnYkpnuM75AgYq/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZcEWerklwkk7AMjZPcOKBq_32D3FPh_5VvTAcgH8ZgRf5DIgSaaBxd1GbgdRRBdu8tRoxL49XHx3vzTFGSpV_kXLKNpkLzVFklz0yp5eD2VvMMyT8XDS1xavEMskM6FPnYkpnuM75AgYq/s640/DSC_0030.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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This one is titled "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273776758/original-painting-in-ink-the-remnant?ref=shop_home_active_26" target="_blank">The Remnant</a>" and I was playing with the ink in a way that made it lighter or darker in places. I think the ink really excels at this and I love the texture that emerged. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8LXfChkMmeajkUS55dS-9yUfFY8JC66zR6rp3to07rQuovSIPijFq5TW2ANt0WYzoz0-_b1wZ6M1Gus23LKTu0lIDPxEW0v-rs1hHTeKz3tXntTkuM3-NKPqoISIQk-4Eeulq80LB7E7/s1600/DSC_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8LXfChkMmeajkUS55dS-9yUfFY8JC66zR6rp3to07rQuovSIPijFq5TW2ANt0WYzoz0-_b1wZ6M1Gus23LKTu0lIDPxEW0v-rs1hHTeKz3tXntTkuM3-NKPqoISIQk-4Eeulq80LB7E7/s640/DSC_0040.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273778470/original-painting-in-ink-heights?ref=shop_home_active_20" target="_blank">Heights</a>" is another silver castle with the same idea as "The Remnant". I really loved the shape of this castle so much that I repeated it...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSovIxWCX2ZhTSoO904o19LhXVQIQrOzt4kZjmU20ZfwTKk_M0ywCVNG8qF_sIi-3Po8-Kt-0h2d2_ySLELdvghLUqQLxy0MGhS4riakI4q8WmlH4LzJjZwglmsQOcFNUMYUHTxrUNCj/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXSovIxWCX2ZhTSoO904o19LhXVQIQrOzt4kZjmU20ZfwTKk_M0ywCVNG8qF_sIi-3Po8-Kt-0h2d2_ySLELdvghLUqQLxy0MGhS4riakI4q8WmlH4LzJjZwglmsQOcFNUMYUHTxrUNCj/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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"Amethyst Towers" is the only one I did not use iridescent ink on and I loved the look of it so much that this is the piece I chose to keep out of the ten piece collection. This deep purple marbling just stole my heart and I couldn't list her!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvJAsHltzsrpT8OeB5LHM88Ps7lGY6Y7Y1mrIBm36kRZblgKt0iONgPnkk7-5Y8RIIborW5G3cI2pv-Uh_jA32S5D9DFQ3X0EXgwa4vbOTmUqiHxEjp1CUCUhn_YWb7JH-F_hFkh3HOvj/s1600/DSC_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvJAsHltzsrpT8OeB5LHM88Ps7lGY6Y7Y1mrIBm36kRZblgKt0iONgPnkk7-5Y8RIIborW5G3cI2pv-Uh_jA32S5D9DFQ3X0EXgwa4vbOTmUqiHxEjp1CUCUhn_YWb7JH-F_hFkh3HOvj/s640/DSC_0028.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This one is titled "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/287292583/original-painting-in-ink-emerald-towers?ref=shop_home_active_21" target="_blank">Emerald Towers</a>" is one of the shiniest castles and I love that green glow. The ink came on very thick and I think the solidarity of the towers offers a juxtaposition to the flowing "roots".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZhIfbgPFCjLRzBFoNMWIi_76_J5dw0B-rq0dnXdSVeUBIRARvOtUcAtfsTnUIa3cHs6906ywBWlBRWKBS7nsws28GXzInfdIcJl7582DLtBhjloFLfK_dYwbMqCvSvo3Z6yaX4S-zmP_/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZhIfbgPFCjLRzBFoNMWIi_76_J5dw0B-rq0dnXdSVeUBIRARvOtUcAtfsTnUIa3cHs6906ywBWlBRWKBS7nsws28GXzInfdIcJl7582DLtBhjloFLfK_dYwbMqCvSvo3Z6yaX4S-zmP_/s640/DSC_0012.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another favorite, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273780976/original-painting-in-ink-garrison?ref=shop_home_active_23" target="_blank">Garrison</a>", also really shines in the sunlight. That iridescent ink really steals the show sometimes! I love this one for the silhouette of the castle and the way the ink gathered towards the bottom, but refused to drip down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLkFb_9J5ueFf-Ox9sVVaIhewQ6yDGDW01zXqN7N0O09yNhu3S1q0sKUv8D184UAjbs28AtquF-PNNHaMWGaNgio9oo-pC5b_1iEjEqQZLDKySZUk6DEFWX3csM5LqZfyRq4uIleFbiHA/s1600/DSC_0063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsLkFb_9J5ueFf-Ox9sVVaIhewQ6yDGDW01zXqN7N0O09yNhu3S1q0sKUv8D184UAjbs28AtquF-PNNHaMWGaNgio9oo-pC5b_1iEjEqQZLDKySZUk6DEFWX3csM5LqZfyRq4uIleFbiHA/s640/DSC_0063.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
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"<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/273780532/original-painting-in-ink-prim?ref=shop_home_active_24" target="_blank">Prim</a>" was an experiment with the windows, which I realized that I didn't like as much, at least with this medium. I feel like the ink needs more space to flow and not be constricted by adding in too much detail.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPDsLaEv6vjBrYdYBASohxN7CSnw4YiJKVzc1U_CSZrCdUK3qcKxJwjXJ8kyQIgmZ0ZIxh4bG_Y9qWwICM-KdNs7iC8LZb_SQtT9ufcT9TvEb4AxdHgZ95xFrpoXTq6o6mWsbrbbGa7Wl/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPDsLaEv6vjBrYdYBASohxN7CSnw4YiJKVzc1U_CSZrCdUK3qcKxJwjXJ8kyQIgmZ0ZIxh4bG_Y9qWwICM-KdNs7iC8LZb_SQtT9ufcT9TvEb4AxdHgZ95xFrpoXTq6o6mWsbrbbGa7Wl/s640/DSC_0009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Lastly, "Let Down Your Hair" is the piece I sent off to my Queen City Art Swap recipient. I love how this piece turned out with the minute details and all the texture that the ink had to offer. I hope my partner likes it as much as I do!</div>
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For more photos of these paintings (especially in the sun and in the shade!), click on the link of the title, which will take you to my shop where you can browse and buy. I hope you've enjoyed the collection for March!</div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-85815238992637968892016-06-15T12:04:00.000-07:002016-07-19T09:13:23.373-07:00The April CollectionI mentioned a few weeks ago that I had focused on the design element of line for my April collection. With that in mind, I knew that whatever I created, I didn't want to focus on anything else but creating lines. I did a google search of "line art" and from that search an idea formed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xsrkvdPaoOs1sX0EWUXX1uF_C20rVtHCktl-7ZVhKCUQEvWLkfSpJW0c_KhceXM00QIOLbRriFankQgomvJI1G_ymrps1dDughP9sPy2rXtlmvuNEZnmWZ_vArV2kZZbeXf1JJxhmXcw/s1600/DSC_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xsrkvdPaoOs1sX0EWUXX1uF_C20rVtHCktl-7ZVhKCUQEvWLkfSpJW0c_KhceXM00QIOLbRriFankQgomvJI1G_ymrps1dDughP9sPy2rXtlmvuNEZnmWZ_vArV2kZZbeXf1JJxhmXcw/s640/DSC_0102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
(Detail of PRESLEY)<br />
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I went to Barnes and Noble and flipped through dozens of fashion (and trashy!) magazines looking for unobstructed model faces. I bought the two magazines that had the best and the most options. Before completely committing to the idea, I made two sketches in my sketchbook, fell in love with the idea and got to work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IDES2axcSB5T6t-NRUET6DzlnvK8OzevDSF4YWiOK79lMWOaZHEXaHv3XLb61zZ5TJ9EMJAP2uECn7g0tf1oXDLScwq787u1GSs0ujXJVDvRv7xOHC-PMGunlbP8jhWB6PJ_2hZDnDPY/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9IDES2axcSB5T6t-NRUET6DzlnvK8OzevDSF4YWiOK79lMWOaZHEXaHv3XLb61zZ5TJ9EMJAP2uECn7g0tf1oXDLScwq787u1GSs0ujXJVDvRv7xOHC-PMGunlbP8jhWB6PJ_2hZDnDPY/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
(Detail of LYDIA)<br />
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I very carefully cut out the best photos of close ups of the models, but when I did so, I cut off all of their hair. I glued the cut outs on to high quality, cold press water color paper, and then I got to work drawing out the biggest sections of hair with pencil. Once I was satisfied with the general shape and idea, I used Micron pens to make the lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9alFBZS8K48ZRn-VkDaydqxznr6RlEHxqrzcz7iVbDkCK36Z97SkhXotx6PqjVqHLUSEmho4p2VV0PJ5ge7hPuv6pZuP528VfdENB41mbMkaeIgA1-4I0bVcnlVyo442AiD7jYcQZfFCW/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9alFBZS8K48ZRn-VkDaydqxznr6RlEHxqrzcz7iVbDkCK36Z97SkhXotx6PqjVqHLUSEmho4p2VV0PJ5ge7hPuv6pZuP528VfdENB41mbMkaeIgA1-4I0bVcnlVyo442AiD7jYcQZfFCW/s640/DSC_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
(Detail of RISA)<br />
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The first lady I finished was <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291767801/lydia-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_9" target="_blank">LYDIA</a>. Lydia's hair came out really unnatural and even though I recognized that, I really liked the other-worldly quality to it. Lydia was an experiment in that I painted a 3/4 black border around her. I like it, but not enough to do that to any of the others, so she is the only one who has it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nK5Q5hsAGReZVVpvhXydcXM9IUtWYhCWKw2jgdZJJUJRD0NsUSSGKdSARXfh1FbudvTCIzKD6_VfqlRPpyB2JFocPBNNjDehT6xiYZfzbLlLwKShW1zagKRoh5XxQCMBkuNHPgpzqFp3/s1600/DSC_0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nK5Q5hsAGReZVVpvhXydcXM9IUtWYhCWKw2jgdZJJUJRD0NsUSSGKdSARXfh1FbudvTCIzKD6_VfqlRPpyB2JFocPBNNjDehT6xiYZfzbLlLwKShW1zagKRoh5XxQCMBkuNHPgpzqFp3/s640/DSC_0012.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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Then I worked on CHARLOTTE. Her hair came out very organically for me and I really didn't put that much thought into it. It just flowed one evening and when I went to bed, I wondered if I really liked it. When I woke up the next morning and looked at her again, I loved her. Out of the ten pieces for this collection, CHARLOTTE is the one I chose to keep.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4EcIA_qluzOw9nW4hXTBGEiEMsaUDUzPrLZCPGZQsxDoC7HiIcc2FOEgPHLLVD82KtiOdjyrPHAo4nkhyZhLgLN8-yZ_i6ZydCmG-vfcO1V7ulByjjKsqndX0wIdDWi9EVLAbQd-4V2S/s1600/DSC_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4EcIA_qluzOw9nW4hXTBGEiEMsaUDUzPrLZCPGZQsxDoC7HiIcc2FOEgPHLLVD82KtiOdjyrPHAo4nkhyZhLgLN8-yZ_i6ZydCmG-vfcO1V7ulByjjKsqndX0wIdDWi9EVLAbQd-4V2S/s640/DSC_0137.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Next, I'd like to introduce you to <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291768335/risa-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_8" target="_blank">RISA</a>. Like Lydia, Risa has a flash of gold. I love the element that the metallic gold adds, but the tiny lines that make up her hair are really what makes this piece for me. Scroll up for a detailed photo of those delicate little lines!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDifgoiJt0i7zPLcYFJS5JcY8l2_MQeI4EkBFKDS48g0SD5QWVaTBOcUdZbxaOBF0isfl3_zOrPgF6t_NAfF33lNSXso-LscadUh_yBa3Sq8aF054kCNwrZOtGEUbwIol46Oq2Zh8RnOd/s1600/DSC_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjDifgoiJt0i7zPLcYFJS5JcY8l2_MQeI4EkBFKDS48g0SD5QWVaTBOcUdZbxaOBF0isfl3_zOrPgF6t_NAfF33lNSXso-LscadUh_yBa3Sq8aF054kCNwrZOtGEUbwIol46Oq2Zh8RnOd/s640/DSC_0036.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/278255322/toni-original-mixed-media-art?ref=shop_home_active_10" target="_blank">TONI</a> was a simple girl to begin with and so she needed simple hair to compliment her. Inside her afro, gold and black lines crisscross. The gold really lights up in the sun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub8yDBTTLYjZdvs4XXsARiZzE14_XSo6vpqcF9oNsObJ4H_fu8zevtlfB9RtkWZdXLIlZ8QaAZOh1GGt-f9NwyH4kGENpXY-l-7lGHtXGkusG48BMf0_yzfPlnOCKevN2aJh2usKji0BK/s1600/DSC_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhub8yDBTTLYjZdvs4XXsARiZzE14_XSo6vpqcF9oNsObJ4H_fu8zevtlfB9RtkWZdXLIlZ8QaAZOh1GGt-f9NwyH4kGENpXY-l-7lGHtXGkusG48BMf0_yzfPlnOCKevN2aJh2usKji0BK/s640/DSC_0002.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291768887/esmerelda-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">ESMERELDA</a> is another one of my favorite pieces. Her hair also came about very organically and I loved the process of creating it, layer upon layer. The gold is just around the hair, so as to not disturb the beautiful little lines that make up each layer of her hair. Be sure to look at the detailed photo below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxFl8cYRvm9eQQfaJSNymxgm7gqhdS98tAXgAQuabXppXPMBBRwxSRRo8vjv57m7GjYosOS-mewFFnD2VtQ3KbmR0ezKazpA7R-JTMMNiS7kP-yEuYBhuDRzVc8BXrjlwliASrt31XTuN/s1600/DSC_0050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxFl8cYRvm9eQQfaJSNymxgm7gqhdS98tAXgAQuabXppXPMBBRwxSRRo8vjv57m7GjYosOS-mewFFnD2VtQ3KbmR0ezKazpA7R-JTMMNiS7kP-yEuYBhuDRzVc8BXrjlwliASrt31XTuN/s640/DSC_0050.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWI5UCdmWK4eCefuIEmweOc2bEqQBu5cO-TUl7aUxwzNFc4cY7RawBfPeKgIdv_AnmX_bn6DkB0I99K94CZ5_gxrP-tnC8OLQOOL_3tnweuo_K3czjMmw3s4JuUgutjlw5Mdk5S0rjVHZ/s1600/DSC_0057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWI5UCdmWK4eCefuIEmweOc2bEqQBu5cO-TUl7aUxwzNFc4cY7RawBfPeKgIdv_AnmX_bn6DkB0I99K94CZ5_gxrP-tnC8OLQOOL_3tnweuo_K3czjMmw3s4JuUgutjlw5Mdk5S0rjVHZ/s640/DSC_0057.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
(Detail of ESMERELDA)<br />
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Next up is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291769407/jasmine-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">JASMINE</a>. Jasmine is a sweet girl, so she deserved some long locks. She also told me she was into pink highlights and I couldn't deny her. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-F4bALYHZGMOqfFNxPEu7WBhrtM8fmi-kaLMRC2cheeitjsezqdCX88UkQlyH12r4wwxQiBLW4lsRvyIILCe2jEpOUz6VIImB-6rxqDS-hds83DRpzc8qpfQg3pTU6smFNoJ2bGocKAR/s1600/DSC_0063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-F4bALYHZGMOqfFNxPEu7WBhrtM8fmi-kaLMRC2cheeitjsezqdCX88UkQlyH12r4wwxQiBLW4lsRvyIILCe2jEpOUz6VIImB-6rxqDS-hds83DRpzc8qpfQg3pTU6smFNoJ2bGocKAR/s640/DSC_0063.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Then we have <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291770019/ophelia-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">OPHELIA</a>. I love Ophelia because her hair turned out just as flowery as her clothes. Ophelia reminded me that I wasn't aiming for realistic hair for these ladies. I was working with pen and could make their hair into whatever I would like. I love the juxtaposition of Ophelia's face and body being real, but her hair is so obviously not.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPoBP8p0Ah5KdqFQQ-P8NUVVP9rahT96-2xX-Aiq7vypljhSlMyjFK5dQ_QjtBD3_DPTiuVsBOP0Smd8rDWgLC12XZUuT9ZmNKbm4iv9a0bARWkh2ZzNikQPa40PfKm9vyAOOXzKF4S2I/s1600/DSC_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPoBP8p0Ah5KdqFQQ-P8NUVVP9rahT96-2xX-Aiq7vypljhSlMyjFK5dQ_QjtBD3_DPTiuVsBOP0Smd8rDWgLC12XZUuT9ZmNKbm4iv9a0bARWkh2ZzNikQPa40PfKm9vyAOOXzKF4S2I/s640/DSC_0079.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291770625/presley-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">PRESLEY</a> was a punk from the beginning and I struggled to get her hair just right! That perfect curl was drawn over and over before I really liked it. Then I drew out the stripes in her hair. I meditated on what to do next, but I settled on those little triangles that I have been loving so much lately!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPWan5yC7J1wdsQEdW1V2N3aLO8Plwil9qRxBLeHBLdLVC0iuaso3CkkUiV-1YAyarppEarPmid3G5-VyCYo_gckdN0K85reC50cTcI_kGXQDX0hdfMg0m_xedyT6xjh5ufqliZQPBcRr/s1600/DSC_0094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPWan5yC7J1wdsQEdW1V2N3aLO8Plwil9qRxBLeHBLdLVC0iuaso3CkkUiV-1YAyarppEarPmid3G5-VyCYo_gckdN0K85reC50cTcI_kGXQDX0hdfMg0m_xedyT6xjh5ufqliZQPBcRr/s640/DSC_0094.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Like Presley, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/291771441/easton-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">EASTON</a> is also a rocker and she loved what I did with Presley's hair, so she asked for something similar, but with her own twist. Done up in purple, I love the the over all shape of Easton's hair and those little triangles were just so much fun!<br />
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I saved <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/278259842/athena-mixed-media-original-art?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">ATHENA</a> for very last because I wanted the experience of the other nine to prepare me to give her something gorgeous. Her cut out is so unique that I wanted her hair to be just as amazing. I spent the most time thinking about Athena, drawing out her hair, erasing it, drawing it out again... When I finally settled on all of the main shapes, I drew them in in black and then kept thinking on what lines I was going to add into them. I consulted a fellow artist and friend, I drew out some tests on scrap paper and I settled on these beautiful purple lines. I love the way Athena turned out. She's gorgeous and definitely one of my favorites!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoeW7CkHVCGlKkhwzyI_65SA50uQqFCP8CRSA-326taa5imw4nwNYn_AuR-hSslD5o6-QfIJDAcbggVrSRzaQorf5_Ub3xe5yfLnsVxUYzzA91AxZGZ4qF0-wqBO3bLPcZ6-Uai778Buf/s1600/DSC_0125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmoeW7CkHVCGlKkhwzyI_65SA50uQqFCP8CRSA-326taa5imw4nwNYn_AuR-hSslD5o6-QfIJDAcbggVrSRzaQorf5_Ub3xe5yfLnsVxUYzzA91AxZGZ4qF0-wqBO3bLPcZ6-Uai778Buf/s640/DSC_0125.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMqMDkVVzAvFHPD3nlwgu2zn_2H3jujbeLfn0dTiutgH1ClerdYOI5rto5BYuW8kum5BEFjwa7avKeQvobmo8sX1z7oTah5RVtdDgk_Y3JCW-FV01RYmkfb-xUO8EoJQFs49JxUKN2Whn/s1600/DSC_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMqMDkVVzAvFHPD3nlwgu2zn_2H3jujbeLfn0dTiutgH1ClerdYOI5rto5BYuW8kum5BEFjwa7avKeQvobmo8sX1z7oTah5RVtdDgk_Y3JCW-FV01RYmkfb-xUO8EoJQFs49JxUKN2Whn/s640/DSC_0130.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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So, there they are! This is one of my most favorite collections ever and I would not be surprised if I decided on another collection of them in the future. I hope you enjoyed them and a peek into the process of their creation!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-2301056260083470802016-06-09T07:20:00.001-07:002016-06-09T07:20:27.523-07:00Travel Supplies and EssentialsOn Saturday, my daughter Berlin and I leave for Dallas for some adventures! I've mentioned before that we'll be staying in Dallas for a week and then I will leave Berlin with her grandparents while I fly to D.C. for almost a week before I go back to pick up Berlin and head back home. It's going to be a great two weeks! Since I'm still planning on getting my collection done this month, I'm taking along some select supplies to help me accomplish my goal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwplXjteqLi7juL4PAr5YUkf-t3rrGIFGdlCRWB8SXoqxZOZjw8Zd2nHCNAP3tePTpVba2JjLPsWvhfgiaeORoSHjpbhLkAc7DcUVl3Q7zbvbUi3h0vemv3xoleXx0Yni1zDnFkvjKFRa/s1600/DSC_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwplXjteqLi7juL4PAr5YUkf-t3rrGIFGdlCRWB8SXoqxZOZjw8Zd2nHCNAP3tePTpVba2JjLPsWvhfgiaeORoSHjpbhLkAc7DcUVl3Q7zbvbUi3h0vemv3xoleXx0Yni1zDnFkvjKFRa/s640/DSC_0115.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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First, I've torn down my paper, marked out my borders, and put the first layers of paint on each of my "planets" for this month's collection. I'll be keeping my paper in this white envelope with a piece of cardboard to avoid any bending. I received this envelope when I ordered something a few months ago and it's sturdiness kept me from throwing it away. Now I'm glad I kept it because it has become an excellent portable portfolio.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFPex2sVP8BYW8MnArMZhBnVc3_G4UWVH6riVOPla9aQ5BZ8LIB6aKiCyp9BRfP39-aDgkM6cxcC5BxFOnpF2PJ8vABBzcN7ODhNOuUlnCHiy8-57wdG0BJjMd0Vmo_kmP6TKzuOUswjb/s1600/DSC_0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFPex2sVP8BYW8MnArMZhBnVc3_G4UWVH6riVOPla9aQ5BZ8LIB6aKiCyp9BRfP39-aDgkM6cxcC5BxFOnpF2PJ8vABBzcN7ODhNOuUlnCHiy8-57wdG0BJjMd0Vmo_kmP6TKzuOUswjb/s640/DSC_0116.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This big zippered bag was somewhat of an impulse buy at Target, but I really love the look of it. It's a surprisingly large bag and it can hold everything I need. Inside I have my watercolor set, drawing pencils set, and a little bag.<br />
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This little bag keeps all of the things that would be drowned in the big bag and I like that I can take it out and hold it in the palm of my hand to find whatever I need. The essentials of this bag include my Micron pens, Copic markers, Aquabrushes for watercolor, and my very favorite Black Pearl eraser.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_U7alpFCan9iD-OTqu4gBXzt4lM4Ne9oX-u-mhWkOmb-TYaINuC9MNRk7S7UBIiDSSfukvDcRxsRfxNMsewTxO4ozsIWbiK4hSqOs7E3idVoaCnmSi1cvdXQcS5Z-Fcn9FJ1_A-4bwOm/s1600/DSC_0126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW_U7alpFCan9iD-OTqu4gBXzt4lM4Ne9oX-u-mhWkOmb-TYaINuC9MNRk7S7UBIiDSSfukvDcRxsRfxNMsewTxO4ozsIWbiK4hSqOs7E3idVoaCnmSi1cvdXQcS5Z-Fcn9FJ1_A-4bwOm/s640/DSC_0126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I will also be traveling with my sketchbook, a book to read (I have chosen <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Julien-Levy-Portrait-Art-Gallery/dp/0262194120?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00" target="_blank">Julien Levy: Portrait of an Art Gallery</a>), my iPad, the <a href="http://www.adonit.net/adobe-ink-slide/" target="_blank">Adobe Ink pen</a>, and my trusty notebook and pen that I can't live a day without (Someday I'll do a post about my love of this red notebook!).<br />
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Hopefully this sets me up for success this month! If you'd like to follow along on our travels, be sure to follow me on Instagram at @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/meganat3511/" target="_blank">Meganat3511</a> !Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-7511201283780482912016-06-07T06:49:00.000-07:002016-06-07T06:49:00.716-07:00Queen City Art Swap: Artist's ChoiceI have mentioned the <a href="https://queencityartswap.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Queen City Art Swap</a> here before, but I wanted to mention it again because I participated in the last round and it was so much fun! The theme for this last round was "Artist's Choice", so we could send any piece of art that we wanted to.<br />
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I chose to send the piece below, titled "Schism", from my <a href="http://www.thirtyfiveeleven.com/2016/05/introducing-may-collection.html" target="_blank">May Collection</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_cA4YrOuQzdX5ireL2yfDeHSA3SykmsguhZTj0v1SxapKxht56EupRNdQ81v3jyFHd1B5hqMbnEcnt1sfFEovO-QmVm2InPpFgs9Is9HXDyo4x5Ws2C39VwjAxADItZhIaRKT4Q1YREI/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_cA4YrOuQzdX5ireL2yfDeHSA3SykmsguhZTj0v1SxapKxht56EupRNdQ81v3jyFHd1B5hqMbnEcnt1sfFEovO-QmVm2InPpFgs9Is9HXDyo4x5Ws2C39VwjAxADItZhIaRKT4Q1YREI/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Based on the information I received about my recipient, I thought she would like this piece best out of the ones that I recently made.<br />
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The next round is all about Artist Trading Cards and it is such a fun swap to participate in! The was the theme of my first Queen City Art Swap and I loved making tiny little paintings and then receiving little works of art in return! Watch their website or Instagram @queencityartswap for when the registration for this great swap will open. Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-86665130034697625412016-06-02T07:27:00.001-07:002016-06-02T07:27:56.815-07:00Collection Inspiration: JuneJune is going to be an exciting month for me. My daughter, Berlin, and I are flying to Dallas for a week and then she will stay with her grandparents while I jet off to D.C. for almost another week before I fly back to get her and head home. As totally thrilling as this vacation is for me, I am a little scared about how I am going to accomplish my collection this month with two solid weeks away from home!<br />
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I have, however, devised a game plan that will hopefully allow me to be successful without too much stress...<br />
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This collection will deviate from my plan of creating work based off the design elements and principles because I had an idea that I simply must explore. Below is a page from my sketchbook and I love the "planetary" look to this little painting. I posted this on Instagram just after I painted it and I got a warm enough reaction for me to decide that this was the direction I was going to go for June.<br />
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I intend for the painted planet to be a base for some ink work around or on top of it. This is just the start of an idea... who knows what I'll end up creating!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKffSIT50lj97drMuyjXHwH5dweBZ3z0-zxBPgbiCYAGJyE9G-f_GqQZYE8IkSfR8Fvnb-uBP5xQtTEH2XlAmO0NYIxgFxFa1P8uAGus1d_8_3yqXvErXMu9MC5nFtr72AQP1OfvS8Kce/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKffSIT50lj97drMuyjXHwH5dweBZ3z0-zxBPgbiCYAGJyE9G-f_GqQZYE8IkSfR8Fvnb-uBP5xQtTEH2XlAmO0NYIxgFxFa1P8uAGus1d_8_3yqXvErXMu9MC5nFtr72AQP1OfvS8Kce/s640/DSC_0110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To alleviate some of the stress that traveling will cause, I'm planning to tear down all the paper to 8"x10" and have at least the base layer of painting done on all of the planets before I take off. All of the pen work and other painting adjustments will be done as I travel. I will have a few days when I get back to finish up any last minute details, but the bulk of the work will need to be done before I return so that I have plenty of time to photograph and write up the listings.<br />
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To follow my progress on this collection and take part in my Dallas and D.C. adventures, be sure to follow me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meganat3511/" target="_blank">@Meganat3511</a>!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-76100605815333342132016-05-31T08:19:00.001-07:002016-06-01T14:44:19.347-07:00Introducing: The May CollectionLast week I shared with you the starting point of my collection for this month, and today I want to share how it all turned out. This collection isn't as cohesive as I would have liked it to be, but I find that that happens a lot to me when I don't begin a collection with a very, very clear idea of what I want it to be. As several different ideas came to me, all stemming from a focus on shape, I chose to pursue each one rather than continue on with the very first idea I started on.<br />
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First, this collection actually consists of 9 pieces instead of 10 because I received a commission this month and I counted that as one of my 10 pieces for the month. All of these works are acrylic on heavyweight, cold press watercolor paper and they are 8"x10", with the exception of the diptych, which consists of two 5"x7".<br />
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The two paintings below were the first two that I worked on. The first is titled "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/397843121/fragmentation-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">Fragmentation</a>" and the second is "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/397844783/fracture-mountain-original-acrylic?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">Fracture Mountain</a>".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XLPcLGIsiI9dJtjJ4n5MD7Z3O_5zpVrSsJiPSWZNjxz5Lzk-tbRmAGI3YrDwXPO2jWpkYx8zs0yejxD7touA4uNk63DKbczGdTq-JZFbSd8_q9HNgiEjYX3alw1apiRa8rdBYGBNIbuA/s1600/DSC_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XLPcLGIsiI9dJtjJ4n5MD7Z3O_5zpVrSsJiPSWZNjxz5Lzk-tbRmAGI3YrDwXPO2jWpkYx8zs0yejxD7touA4uNk63DKbczGdTq-JZFbSd8_q9HNgiEjYX3alw1apiRa8rdBYGBNIbuA/s640/DSC_0059.JPG" width="425" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGunJXvkGdi9QEbfUkiY_6vhthavVP5NBzxzddU0EFpq7W0wShknmdTMqQrYtHERM5n9bfnLOqiVq05Zag_4DDPoS-061h2imP_TsjPyhnRuFif8GNnFAqADqBuj5EQ_P-Hny1z8qi9ND/s1600/DSC_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGunJXvkGdi9QEbfUkiY_6vhthavVP5NBzxzddU0EFpq7W0wShknmdTMqQrYtHERM5n9bfnLOqiVq05Zag_4DDPoS-061h2imP_TsjPyhnRuFif8GNnFAqADqBuj5EQ_P-Hny1z8qi9ND/s640/DSC_0068.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I loved the idea in my head more than in practice. I still like them and I am glad that I made them, but I think that painting any more than two of these would have made me go a little crazy! Since I still loved the idea, but I couldn't handle anymore tiny shapes, I decided to try the same concept, but a bit bigger.<br />
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These two are named "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/384342414/rift-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_6" target="_blank">Rift</a>" and "Schism". In making these, I quickly realized how difficult it was to place colors without putting two similar shades right next to each other, so I mixed a surprising number of colors in order to make these work. <br />
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After painting the same idea, just in two different scales, I was inspired by an artist I follow on Instagram, <a href="http://cassandraott.com/" target="_blank">Cassandra Ott</a>, who is making a scalloped pattern a day for 100 days (also known as the 100 days project on Instagram). I have been loving her work, so I wanted to try to make my own scallops...<br />
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My first scallop painting, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/384344034/plating-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_3" target="_blank">Plating</a>", isn't as successful as I was hoping, but I still really like it - especially in the grayscale. Of course I had to try it again and made "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/397845727/clamber-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">Clamber</a>". This second one I like even more and I'm really a fan of the two sizes of scallops together. There could be a scallop collection in the future...<br />
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These two paintings, "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/384342866/ugly-duckling-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_5" target="_blank">Ugly Duckling</a>" and "<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/384343240/pink-lemonade-original-acrylic-painting?ref=shop_home_active_4" target="_blank">Pink Lemonade</a>" came about organically. As I was brainstorming ideas of what to draw next, "Ugly Duckling" came to mind and I thought, "why not?". This painting really went through the stages of "this was a horrible idea" and "this is so awful" to "wow, I actually really like this" and finally to "this could be my favorite one!". I have found that some pieces look great during the process and some go through a very serious "ugly duckling" phase, hence, the title. The second one was actually the very last piece to be drawn. I finished "Ugly Duckling" and laid out all the other pieces and saw that they had organically come in twos, which was completely unplanned. So "Pink Lemonade" is like "Ugly Duckling" in that a very concrete shape is bordering the chaos, but it also circles around to the pieces that I did first by its inner shapes.<br />
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This diptych, "Spinning Spheres", came as a result of mis-tearing my paper for this collection. The only way to fix the tear in the paper was to make it smaller, so instead of an 8"x10", I made two 5"x7". This piece gave me a lot of trouble and, even though it had been totally drawn out for weeks, I waited until the very end to actually apply paint. I loved the shapes that I had drawn out, but I didn't want to paint them in like I did on the first two pieces of this collection. Instead, I drew over them in with a black Micron pen and then applied layer upon layer on top on them. I really like how these turned out and the conversation they seem to be having. Out of this collection, this is the one I chose to keep.<br />
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In creating this collection, I learned some valuable things:<br />
1. Start with a very clear idea of what the collection will be<br />
2. For heaven's sake, utilize the sketchbook before committing to the idea<br />
3. Lemons to lemonade - a random diptych isn't such a bad thing<br />
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Except for "Spinning Spheres" and "Schism", all of these paintings are for sale in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirtyFiveEleven?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> and the link of their titles will take you directly there. As always, the shipping is free.<br />
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I hope you've enjoyed this collection!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-75653404783518694622016-05-26T07:51:00.000-07:002016-05-26T07:51:54.896-07:00Collection Inspiration: MayAt the beginning of each month, I am going to strive to post my inspiration and beginning thoughts for the collection of the month. Since I didn't do that earlier, I wanted to post my inspiration for my May collection today, before I post about the pieces on Tuesday.<br />
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A few months ago I was listening to a podcast in which they were talking about the elements and principles of design. I was struggling to come up with collection ideas, so the discussion really struck me and I thought "What if I make a collection based on the idea of each of the elements and principles?" I loved the launching point, so I pulled out an old art textbook to start reviewing.<br />
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The first element of design covered in my textbook is line. I focused my April collection on line and write up a post about that collection in a few weeks. The second element is shape, and that is where my ideas for this month's collection began.<br />
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-69082322867159546422016-05-24T07:26:00.000-07:002016-05-24T07:26:41.894-07:00Ever Gone on a Gallery Stroll?Did you know that many cities have "Gallery Strolls" or "Art Walks"? These strolls or walks offer a great opportunity to visit a gallery without any pressure of purchasing anything. These events are open to the public and are completely free. Oftentimes, galleries will plan an artist reception on the night coinciding with the stroll, so you can have the chance to talk with the featured artist. Also, if you need more encouragement to attend a stroll, most galleries offer hors d'oeuvres and beverages and who doesn't love free food?!<br />
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Here in Salt Lake City, the gallery stroll takes place on the third Friday of every month from 6-8 in the evening. Unfortunately, I don't always remember to schedule in the gallery stroll on my calendar every month, so I often forget or schedule over it. This month, however, I wrote it in and made it a point to attend. <br />
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Because I've lived in the Salt Lake valley for awhile, I have my favorite galleries and my favorite events. One of my favorite events is the 300 Plates exhibition and fundraiser put on by the <a href="http://www.accessart.org/" target="_blank">Art Access Gallery</a>. This gallery sets itself a part from the rest in that its mission is to make art accessible to Utahns with disabilities. To read more about their mission and purpose, please visit their website, which is linked above. The 300 Plates event is a yearly fundraiser in which local artists create their work on 11"x10" plates, made from plexiglass or tempered panel, to be sold to raise money for the gallery to pursue their mission.<br />
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Although I didn't attend the opening event of this exhibition, I did visit the gallery the night of the stroll to view the 300 plates and it is such a fun experience. There aren't many other opportunities to see the work of so many different artists at one time and in one place. It is quite a rush!<br />
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This piece is by <a href="http://laurahopeart.com/" target="_blank">Laura Hope Mason</a> and it was one I fell in love with instantly. I have never seen any work by this artist before, and that is, again, one of the benefits of this event!</div>
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This work is by <a href="http://www.ryanakerley.com/" target="_blank">Ryan Akerley</a>. This photo was taken at an angle to avoid the glare, but the amazing colors and movement of this piece really captured me. Some of the pieces that were done on plexiglass really utilized the transparency of the material, like Akerly did here. It's no surprise that this one had sold before I arrived!</div>
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This last piece is by <a href="http://ezetary.com/" target="_blank">Chad Farnes</a> and is created by a collage of tape! This was incredible to see in person. The color, detail, and texture of this work is truly phenomenal. Check out his website for more information on his process. </div>
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Although I visited two other galleries that night, this was the most spectacular show of the night. I will commit to making my best efforts to attend the gallery stroll regularly and bring a taste of the night back here!</div>
Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-59677246812924735322016-03-14T14:37:00.001-07:002016-03-14T14:37:50.181-07:00Motivational MondayIf you're working hard on something, and chances are that you are, it can be very discouraging to not experience immediate results. Of course, we'd all love to work out and then immediately see the results, whether on the scale or in the mirror, but it doesn't work that way. Over time, the changes we make or the things that we do build upon one another to yield great results.<br />
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Likewise, not acting on your desires to be the person you want to be gets you no where. Don't discount the power of a single day. Even if you don't feel like you make significant progress in a day, you can't build the life you want with out the daily efforts. Keep working, keep going. Even if you slip up on whatever your goal is, that's okay, it won't effect the overall result as long as you are continually working on that dream. Use today to your advantage and make some progress on your goals!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-10873839164872858282016-03-07T10:05:00.001-08:002016-03-07T10:05:29.068-08:00Motivation for your MondayTo me, this quote is one of those quotes that can become a mantra. It is so easy to get sucked into the negative side of situations when we could actually just take everything as it comes and try to be strong in the face of opposition.<br />
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Every day we have a choice to be happy, be strong, be optimistic or be sad, miserable, and pessimistic. Decide which way you want to live, and make that choice again and again.Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-10282546685549419022016-02-29T07:38:00.000-08:002016-02-29T07:38:02.737-08:00Motivation for your MondayI feel like I am in a constant state of decluttering my house. It seems that just as I get rid of everything we don't want or need, I find another stash of things that I didn't realize we had. However, when we are surrounded by only those things that we love, it makes such a difference in our home. I tend to spend the most time in those rooms that don't have any extra items because of the peace I find there. So, wouldn't it be awesome to feel that peace all over the house? That's the goal!<br />
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This week, I challenge you to take a room in your house and get rid of anything you don't love or truly need. Take some time to notice if you feel any different in this room after you've done that. Also, try to notice if your mind feels less cluttered. I find that the messier my house is, the messier my brain is and I have a harder time organizing my thoughts and getting things done. Our surroundings make a difference!Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734626170514474069.post-17013497123542206592016-02-23T07:04:00.002-08:002016-02-23T07:05:11.869-08:00Motivational MondayFor today, here is one of my favorite quotes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eFLnEM-oAa1QWAkl2sEzG7SqZThQ9iMQJQPuX9TcIFMPB38-7Yg4Fu6eqsQa2eONQJL8gATMeKxptlVcTrpTLjoDLgiFIkekU4JonyRjJfF8_BzOI6u4R4f_jWtGzuIy-ulsC3SYhgCT/s1600/MM5-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1eFLnEM-oAa1QWAkl2sEzG7SqZThQ9iMQJQPuX9TcIFMPB38-7Yg4Fu6eqsQa2eONQJL8gATMeKxptlVcTrpTLjoDLgiFIkekU4JonyRjJfF8_BzOI6u4R4f_jWtGzuIy-ulsC3SYhgCT/s400/MM5-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What do you agree or disagree?<br />
<br />Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18414680354950911135noreply@blogger.com0