carpal tunnel break

my carpal tunnel is bad, so I'm trying to be kind to my hands. I'll be back as soon as I can. With pictures of the painting I'm doing for my Dad (I hope!).

art supply haul

My Michael's haul for today. As you may know I've had an infection for 5 weeks now and am just getting back on my feet. So, when we went out today I had to poke around and see if there's anything I "needed" at Michael's. First, I found the tape. They had loads of the colorful squares (my least favorite), some of the red gingham (not my favorite) and only one of the black polka dot and black/white ornate (I SO would've bought extras for a friend :(  Well, the tape was .99 so I had to get them all, Then there are those 2 clear stamps. There were more, but I don't use stamps much anymore, so they need to be versatile for me to buy them. They were .49 each. The big pack of oil pastels was some cheap brand, but I felt like I needed some so I figured I'd try them for $5.00 and I'm glad I did as they are creamy and smudgy enough for what I wanted them for. Lastly, there are those 2 glitter glues at $1.00 each (cheaper than Stickles!) and a pack of silvertone charms. As I walked out to the car I felt sort of guilty for letting material possessions making me feel happy. But, I love bargains and these are colorful things that inspire me to keep cutting, gluing and drawing. There can't be anything wrong with that.

still scribbling..

I've been working my way through Traci Bautista's Strathmore workshop for a few weeks now. It's been slow going due to the nasty virus that invaded my body, but I'm back at it now. Her work is so "pretty" and I couldn't put my finger on why at first. It is doodling afterall, not photorealism or impressionism or any of the isms we normally equate with pretty. Well, what I've come up with is (a) her color palette is saturated and gorgeous (b) her doodling really is doodling and as such shows the energy and dynamic personality of the artist.  What I'm getting at is - if you can give the workshop a try. You don't have to know how to "draw" you just have to be willing to play. Playing is always the most important part of art for me, so this my perfect diversion.

If you fall in love with her style and need MORE Traci, her new book is out and it's G-o-r-g-e-o-u-s!!  Hubby just gave it to me for my birthday and not only is there plenty of eye candy it also is incredibly inspiring. It really compliments my method of creating which is it's all about the process. Looking at Tracy's work I don't see painstaking efforts at realism or something else more lofty. It's an immediate kind of art and that is the tyle of art that accesses the dark recesses of the mind. Those are the places we don't consciously reach very often and honestly, they need to be aired out and dusted periodically!

So, that's what's on my mind lately. I have an art supply haul I photographed, but there are technical issues right now. Maybe I'll sort it out for tomorrow.

going back to Squam...

Look at that. Who wouldn't want to return to Squam lake again and again? Coupled with the divine souls that gather for Squam Art Workshops and it really is a no brainer. I once heard it described as "finding your tribe" and I can't think of a more accurate description. A group of people gathered to make things. To create from nothingness. Humans with a need to sing, paint, write and take pictures.

About 2 weeks ago I decided to register for the Fall session before my first choice workshops were gone. It took me a few days to fill out the application as I didn't want to miss out on anything or get less than I could out of the experience. Gentle yoga down by the docks, paint and pages as well as rocks and wires. Honestly, I don't remember if these were my first choices, but I was so up in the air I let fate choose. Finally I wrote my check, tossed in some star shaped confetti and decorated my envelope. Within a week I had my confirmation in my email and a nice note about my embellishments : ) Now, there's just PAYING for the rest of it and elaborate list making (which I won't allow myself to entertain until August). Is it too early to bejewel a flashlight for the occasion?

I had the good fortune to spend Sunday afternoon with my good friend, Marie. She taught me how to make wire wrap rings and some of them were pretty good. Some needed minor adjustments and some just got taked apart and reformed into something new. The one above is my favorite. The maroon Czech glass oval ended up slightly off center of the "nest" I'd wrapped under it. That shape was crying out for something small and contrast-y. I think the green fresh water pearl does the job beautifully. I may take it a stap further and add something tiny and square. We'll see. Right now I'm enjoying looking at it and enjoying the fruits of my labor.

Saturday I dragged the husband into A.C. Moore to use some coupons. First I grab 2 things I need (wire) then we go to the mall entrance to check out. Then I grab 2 things I need and we check out at the exit. Finally found some spray ink (yay!) and got a giant frame for my movie poster from Sweeney Todd. Of course, now there's more I need and a whole new batch of coupons. LOL!

I CAN"T FREAKIN' EAT!!!!!! GAH~!!

It's been a bad day. I really have been having some terrible problems eating lately. I just get so sick. Most of the day I was sick, and when I'd felt better for awhile I ate some popcorn. Yep. It's bland and it seems to be the only food I can handle. Lame. I was loving it for quite a few months, but now I'm kinda resentful. Know what triggered my stomach trouble today? Greek yogurt. A food i thought was safe. After being sick for HOURS I couldn't have any more yogurt and I am afraid of protein shakes. Nothing seems safe. And taking my vitamins & pills in this condition is rough. PLEASE let me wake up feeling better! I have 2 doc appts. I need to make it to. One is a good old fashioned bewbie squishing (mamogram). Lucky me! (and I really mean it 'cause too many people don't have healthcare right now and this is so important.)