The Outdoor Studio

This week I start Flora Bowley's online workshop and the nature of that experience is that the canvases need to be big. Because I have such space issues at home, I knew this would be the time to set up my outdoor studio at Dulcinea. My hubs erected the backer board for me and I have a removable 'wall board' that I can use for large canvases. He also set up a glass table so that I can pour directly on the glass and pull skins after my acrylics dry. He did this so that I wont stress my back from bending over and that I will have an adaptable reach so I don't stress my shoulder joint. My hubs values what I do so much and tends to look after my spine issues way more than I do, for that I am grateful. 

You can view her video by clicking on  the link below 
her book: 

Flora's Video

Here is the view of my table and my canvas. I am currently working on a series of mixed media collages which combine my love of the southern coastline and my fond memories of Dauphin Island, Alabama. We are so blessed to have such a beautiful coast to enjoy here, and much of my younger days was spent in Gulf Shores or Dauphin Island. 

First stages, getting my background papers and landscape glued on. 

The house structure was already part of the painted paper so I embraced that image and began to build in the pilings and definition. You can see the view from my studio underneath this board. This is my smaller backer board and I have a larger one as well for big canvases thank to that sweet many in the background. 

For this series I am showcasing the coastline in an unexpectedly colorful way, yet simplistic, which is how I view our beautiful coast. We had a beach house on pilings like this, and those days were grand. 

 

This is the finished piece, 8" by 18" gallery wrapped canvas. 

"Reflection of Bright Waters" 

Up close detail images: 

I can't wait to go big with my outdoor studio and begin slinging, and I mean....literally, slinging some paint. It is beyond peaceful at Dulcinea and painting outdoors is one of my favorite ways to create. My challenge for Flora's class will be two fold. I hope to master a few new skills in mark making and incorporate my love of collage into the acrylic, intuitive process. We shall see how it turns out. 

In the meantime, I send you lots and lots of ((((((creative energy))))) especially for those of you in a funk lately!

Just Be

Today I chose to "Just Be." 

I chose to let go of 'must get dones' and embraced no agenda. 

I chose to ignore the clock and watched the clouds fly by. 

I chose to rake leaves BEFORE I painted. 

I chose to sit and watch the world drift by with the hubs. 

I chose to play catch with my dog. 

I chose to eat Doritos and peppermint balls. 

I chose to watch a family of ants enjoy the crumbs. 

I chose to pray for a few friends. 

And....I chose to imagine my life without all of that, which made me ever so grateful to embrace those very moments. 

I used to believe that it all had to get done and if it didn't, the world would end. Today, I know the truth in that wacky judgement. The truth is, we need to learn to "Just Be"....before the world ends, ;)

Turn off the grid, ignore the dishes, grab a loved ones hand and spend 30 minutes just being alive with them...in the moment, and if you are alone, give yourself permission to indulge....go on....I dare you, :)

Happy Sunday folks! 

Breathe, Pray, Paint

In the Land of Ardithian today would be one of those days that you would find me muttering under my breath the words, "Holy Cow Moly this can't be it."  Occasionally I get in this state, this state of being and feeling and moving through a discombobulated world and not feeling grounded or connected to serenity, as if I had lost it under a rock and am frantically turning rocks over to see if it lies beneath one. It is in these moments that I know I am spread too thin, that my self inflicted desire to connect and be all that I can be to myself and others has gotten out of hand and I have lost the most important point of focus that makes all of that beautiful living possible. In this moment, you would see me smack the pause button and take a deep breath. 

Then, you would see me grab a paint brush, turn on some tunes, take another deep breath, and paint/pray my way back to peace. 45 years I have walked this planet and although I have always been enthusiastically optimistic, I have struggled with peace most of those days. Painting, or at the very least creating, is one way I have found that instantly brings me to a balanced state of being and I wish so much I had been aware of its power back in the day. With all that said, I sit here smiling, not just smiling, grinning a big ole cheesy grin because despite all of that rock turning,  at my core I am right where I need to be, right on the path of loving myself and others, and right on the path of allowing my faith to guide my steps, and for that....I am deeply grateful.

In the next few weeks there will be several wonderful opportunities that I am part of, including a new mixed media show with my dear friend Mary Elizabeth Kimbrough at Church of the Reedemer, I will be teaching in April at the Art by the Sea Retreat through the Mary C. O'Keefe center in Ocean Springs, and I am starting Flora Bowley's online course this Monday to fine tune my intuitive painting style in acrylic. My mixed media classes have started back at Lavretta Art Center, my online mixed media group on Google+ is growing and thriving, Art(ology) is wonderful and doing well, and my friendships and connections through my art world, my faith world, and my family are beautiful.  What is so incredible about all of this is that so far, my body is allowing me to do it. That is a miracle folks, especially for those of you who know my medical history. 

Through the pain, I will create. Through the funk, I will create. Through the dark days and the light days, the days that are discombobulated and the days that are seamless, I will create. For when I create, I breathe, and when I breathe I pray, and when I pray, I am heard, and when I am heard, miracles and weirdness happen. Those are the moments that make the discombobulated days manageable, and those are the ones I seek. 

Here is a sneak peek of some new miniature collages I am working on. They are 4" by 4" and created using hand painted papers . What I love about these are the subtle landscapes you can see throughout the abstractness. They remind me a bit of the nuance between the line I walk between serenity and chaos, and how when the pieces come together the whole has room to breathe. 

"Reflective Sky" $60

"Take Flight" $60

"Lines of Spring" $60

"The Range" $60 

"Beyond the Hill" SOLD

"Moon Shadow" $60

"Reeds of Discontent" $60

"Ledge to the Sky" $60

Peace to you friends!

Mark Making

Why do we, as a species, find it a need to make marks? What part of our existence, or wiring, or connection with one another makes it necessary to make our own marks of being? I ponder these questions, at length, because I believe it is important, especially as an artist, to understand the pattern of need that existed in those, many moons ago, that is so much akin to our own desire and must...to make marks. 

This week was the kick off of our first Mixed Media Challenge in my Google+ community and the technique was "Adding Graphite with Acrylic." The first of 52, and I thought how perfect to celebrate with mark making as the focus, especially because mark making is at the very core of what artists...and humans...strive for. 

As I reflected back on learning as a child, viewing images of cave paintings and marks made eons ago, I felt a deep connection with how we were created. There must be an innate sense of expression, to reach out and communicate our purpose here, with one another, and as a record of our own existence. This exercise, of combing graphite with acrylic, was one I approached with glee. That was...until I started. 

The minute I started considering what I would create with my pencils and paint I hit a brick wall. The magnitude of making a mark, the birth of an idea onto paper, became daunting and I couldn't do it. I believe it was the intent that stopped me, the notion of wanting it to be significant. But as I thought about it, something stirred in me that said...."just make the marks, the meaning will come." With that sentiment, I grabbed my art journal, rather than a canvas, and turned to the page already painted in two of my favorite acrylic colors, blue and hot pink. 

Without direction, I began to embrace the sheer act of mark making...with lines, with squares, with circles, the very basic structures that we use to draw and communicate. It wasn't about drawing well, it was about the form, the process, the very act of placing graphite in my hand and placing it onto a substrate...and making a mark. 
As this face developed, the colors and the play of contrast filled me with a sense of wonder as to if those who first started out making marks were drawn to color in the same way I am. I thought about the rudimentary tools and minerals they would have used to make marks, and what might have inspired them. It all fascinates me, this connection we have to our predecessors. 

This year, for the next 52 weeks, our community will be trying our hand at various techniques to explore the world of mixed media in art. It will be a time to try something brand new, to think out of the box, and to take risks. I look forward to taking time to consider, ponder, and learn through the process with a group of folks willing to take the journey with me. As a self taught artist, I missed out on the study of art history in college, but the teacher in me, the life long learner that I am, MUST reflect and seek out how it all connects together. 

I will be posting a weekly update as to our groups progress on Google+ in an album and if you are so inclined to join us, we would love to have you. There is no charge for this experience, just a willingness to join, to explore, to share insight, and connection with a community of like minded artists making their mark in this world. You can find us HERE

May You Be Uplifted!

Closing a chapter and starting fresh is something I always look forward to and this year, in light of what turned out to be a whopper of a year, the beginning of 2013 has been even more important to me. Now, I am not one for resolutions, in fact, I tend to avoid them like the plague because I start with a bang and end...shortly there after...with a bust, so this year I decided to embrace what many of my friends where choosing to do.....following one word.

At first I thought that would be easy, but of course, the wordsmith in me just couldn't land on one. Nope, I had pages written, phrases, mantras, ideas, poems, oh, it got to be ridiculous so I put my pencil down, gave room for my spirit to be surrounded by peace, and listened. I listened for HIM to guide me, listened for my heart to reveal what really was most important, and listened for the word I was meant to live to find me....and it did. Uplift....it was as if my spirit was lifted the minute I heard the word and I knew, like I am breathing, that UPLIFT was the word my heart would dance around.

As I sat there considering how Uplift would be my focus I once again calmed my excitement and listened. This is what I heard:

I will UPLIFT others.
I will UPLIFT others in prayer, not just words, but actual, time invested prayer for them.
I will UPLIFT others by sharing kindness, extraordinary, unexpected kindness.
I will UPLIFT others by supporting those through illness or trauma with my time and encouragement.
I will UPLIFT others by sharing beauty with them through my art and words.
I will UPLIFT others by sharing my gifts of art through teaching, mentoring, and leadership.
I will UPLIFT others by loving them with gentle strength, deep commitment, and compassion.
I will UPLIFT others by taking risks in doing what I fear, sharing my faith, and being lovingly bold.
I will UPLIFT others by embracing and loving my neighbor as myself.
I will UPLIFT others.

There have been moments of confusion in my life and then, there have been beautiful moments of perfect clarity, and today was filled with those moments. I know who I am, I know what my gifts are, and most importantly, I know how I am to use them. Mark making in 2013 will be filled with those of UPLIFTING for others, and in this, I will be true to myself and my faith.

I am so looking forward to the journey of this new year, what it holds for me and you, and how art will be celebrated. For today, I lift a glass in thanks and gratitude for you, my friends, who walk this journey with me and make it worth every step. Peace Friends may my efforts UPLIFT you in some way this year!

A Christmas To Remember

The emotions of Christmas week are always mixed for me but this year....let me just say, this year was one for record books. 

This year my hubs and I were fortunate to spend it with his family, which was the first time in a very long time that most of us were able to get together. We chose to spend it in Galveston, on the beach, which was a great reminder of our beautiful Bright Waters we used to have on Dauphin Island. There was much laughter, lots of smiles, and seeing the family adore one another was a total blessing. I am grateful we had the opportunity to share it and create these memories!

While all of the festivities were taking place in Galveston, my son, immediate family, and friends were living a nightmare back in Mobile, thanks to an F2 tornado that decided to place its nasty head under the tree as an unwelcome visitor. As the news on FB and weather channels began to unfold, I quickly had to think through navigating my emotions between joy and total fear. One minute would pass and I could see the path of the tornado missing these friends but headed toward those friends, and all the while praying that my son and family would be safe as well. It was harrowing and a Christmas I will never forget, but thankfully NO ONE lost their life on Christmas Day in Mobile, and that was a complete miracle. Yes, homes were destroyed, churches too, but we have our friends with us, our communities will help rebuild, and that is a truth which will heal all those emotions I trust. 

Once the 'sand settled' we woke the next day knowing that our loved ones were OK  and to the joyous celebration of celebrating the grandson's first birthday. This was a delightful occasion and one we were so grateful to be there for. The little man loved his new bongos and it put us all in a festive mood for the rest of our stay. 

We woke this morning to realize that our time together was way too short and the twinge of 'love and miss you' would sting just a little all the way home. We also knew that our trip would be filled with a bit of traffic but once again, emotions were unsettled as we approached Baton Rouge. Our car was following a chemical truck which just so happened to have a leak that we didn't see until our car was sprayed. At first, we thought it was water, so my hubs turned the wipers on, going 75, only to instantly feel the dread when the 'water' smeared and blocked the visibility of the entire windshield. By the grace of God he was able to slow and get us off the road before we were hit or hit others, and then we went into survival mode of what type of 'liquid' were we trying to get off the car. 

Yes, we were able to return the windshield to the bug smeared original state it was in, with a minimal oily film, but mile after mile and as the quiet reality set in, it became apparent how lucky we were in those moments of driving with blinders on. For the past few months I have been working with my therapist on 'seeing God' in the little things and one of my challenges has been to actively seek out and look to 'where God is' during times of stress or joy. Thankfully, I found him much more than I had hoped to this week:
I found HIM in the sparkle in my hubs eyes when he saw his kids,
I found HIM in the laughter we all shared discussing Waterloo Teeth and Bob Parker,
I found HIM in the sunset and sunrise on the ocean, in the drift of the sand that spoke beauty to my spirit,
I found HIM in the colors of the sea and the ocean, that spoke to my soul in quiet comfort, 
I found HIM within our family, the love we shared, the memories we made.
But I also found HIM in the protection of my loved ones at home.
I found HIS gentle hand over the lives of so many that were spared. 
I found HIS hand on the tree that fell and spared our home. 
I found HIS hand on the tree that fell which protected the life of my dear friend Ellen. 
I found HIS hand on the split second thinking by so many that saved lives of their neighbors. 
I found HIS hand on my husband who calmly responded rather than reacted on the road today. 
I found HIS hand on my heart, showing me just how protected and outrageously loved I am, my friends are, and my family is. 

Many of my friends struggle with the concept of God and I totally understand that. But for me, in this moment, I am BEYOND GRATEFUL that I choose to embrace and believe in a God that despite the horrible things that life will throw at me, HE will reveal where he is and show me HIS hand in that reality. Maybe, just maybe this is the gift of Christmas HE was trying to get me to accept and for today, I am good with that. I also believe that it is HIS way in showing me how creative HE is, which of course I can so relate to.  

Tomorrow I get to spend the day celebrating Christmas with my family. I can't wait to see where HE shows up there either, :) 
I am so looking forward to this New Year, for celebrating LIFE and LIVING and LOVING one another, especially YOU!

Come Join My Google+ Mixed Media Community!

When Google+ announced two days ago that we would have the feature of building communities I was over the moon with glee. Since I joined, I have waited, and waited, and waited, for a 'group' feature to be added and low and behold, they pulled it off. So, I rushed and grabbed my idea book where I had notes prepared for when this moment would happen and began the process of creating an All Things Mixed Media community for creatives there.

My hope is to share resources, education/how to's, works in progress, artist showcase, ideas for kids, and as many mixed media ideas as we can under our small umbrella. Because we can host hangouts, I can only imagine that mixed media topics and how to's will be covered live, which is a great component for the Google+ community.

If you are active on Google+ and love art, painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, or just want to connect with some great creatives there, please join us! Share your work, your questions, your ideas, and help grow our community! Join our Community HERE

Acrylic Skins and Paper Collage

Oh, I have found my love, the blend of acrylics and collage and paper! I have been teaching a mixed media class this past month and acrylic skins was on the agenda. Now skins are great fun, lots you can do with them, especially if you make them thick to pull in full sheets. But, of course I had to throw a challenge in there and decided for my own work, I wanted to push the envelope and see if I could get the thinnest skins possible because I wanted to work small and possibly on paper.

Made a total mess on plexiglass using fluid acrylics and Golden Gel Medium.

For the skins I use, you have to peel them with a razor blade to get them ultra thin, be careful with that step. 

Yes, it can be done, really, really thin skins, and it is LABOR INTENSIVE I tell ya, but the results are amazing.

Mr. Fantastic - 6" by 6" by 2.25" on canvas

Ardithian Sonbird 6" by 6" by 2.25" on canvas

Sunday Preacher - 6" by 6" by 2.25" on canvas

As I really think about this process several things come to mind. Normally, most left over acrylic paint would be discarded. I am all about salvaging stuff, paper, ephemera, photos, trash, etc. This is one more way I can be a good steward of art supplies. It also reminds me of human souls. Many are neglected, discarded, forgotten, but all have beauty in some shape or form within them. I like to think of these collages as capturing the soul of what could be. 

I will be teaching a similar technique in several upcoming workshops beginning in January too! Stay tuned for details! You can view this new series at Art(ology) Gallery and Gifts in Mobile. 

Painted Paper Swap

Oh, the joy of painted paper! What's even better, swapping some of it with other artists! Today I spent a great deal of fun with a few artists up at The Art Center at Lavretta Park hand painting large sheets of table paper to use in collage work. Imagine, art time in grade school, crayons, markers, paint, toys, you name it, we painted with it. 

Mixed media artists love some yummy papers, and collage artists collect painted papers from all over the globe. Painting large pieces of paper is a great way to try new techniques out on a large scale, loosen up a tight painter, and explore the wonderful world of color theory, all without rules or expectations. 

After the pieces are painted, they are cut up into manageable sizes, usually about 10" by 12", and stacked. These papers can then be used in all sorts of journaling, collage work, abstracts, and my favorite, paper swaps. 

When I arrived home this evening I found a package from the brilliant collage artist Elizabeth St. Hilaire Nelson. Her collages are stunning, all made from hand painted papers, so enjoying a delicious bag of paper from her is a an extra perk for me! You can view her amazing collage work on her website, Paper Paintings. 

If you are a collage or mixed media artist, you might consider hosting a paper painting party for your group, especially if you all are running low on unique, color and patterned paper, You can always swap with me as well, just message me at ardithgoodwin@gmail.com! 

Happy Painting, Ripping, Tearing, and Collaging friends!