Category Archives: Uncategorized

Wax Figures

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scan0103Gosh, it’s been so long, I’ve missed you. I thought I’d start a new category which is “candles I just can’t burn.” Like these lovely Asian figures. Can you imagine lighting the wicks of these? Heck no–they are beautiful little sculptures. Unfortunately the lady has a broken neck which I have temporarily mended with wax putty, otherwise her head just lolls only attached by the wick. I guess you didn’t need to know that grim detail. They are about 11 inches tall–so graceful and serene. I have them minding the elephants on top of the TV armoire. I think they have a calming influence. Don’t you feel calm?

Citron Sugar Bowl

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scan0096Well, I’ve been busy making failed watercolors, that’s what. But not busy enough apparently. I’m out of practice and out of my GROOVE. I need to do a boatload of quick sketches, you know, speedy and reckless. I love that word–reckless! “Loosey-juicy” is a phrase that Robert Burridge uses for quick paintings. He advocates working on a series of at least three to six small paintings at a time as a warm-up. (see his art: http://www.robertburridge.com) Of course that’s easier if you have a large space to be messy in. But still the point is then you feel free to mess up since you aren’t just invested in one precious piece you don’t want to ruin. So maybe at least two works at once or three depending on space. Guess I had forgotten that. Yeah, I forget a lot of stuff. But no need to dwell on that. Now, let me see if I can go salvage last week’s ONE, precious, failed effort. See what I mean?

Lucky Troll Doll

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rainbows and troll 017Remember trolls? If you are suitably mature you do. Funny/quirky little dolls that were introduced in the 60s. I was about 8 when I got this one– my first and all time favorite one. The gray hair tipped in brown is what makes it unique. Sam thinks they are creepy. But oh come on, not any more so than garden gnomes. That smile and those rosy cheeks…she looks so earnest and sincere. I can’t recall what kind of clothing she wore–it unfortunately didn’t survive with her. I read that these were the second best selling dolls in the 60s, Barbie dolls being the top sellers. Some mornings I feel trollish. But there are worse things. Unless you are a barbie.

Poe Crow

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black crow“Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary….”

Meant to post this Thursday since it’s suitably macabre but completely forgot. Too busy lately.

This guy was done quickly with a black crayon on a brown card. I made a B/W photocopy before sending it. Sometimes these quick, loose sketches succeed! And am I ever happier than when that happens? “NEVERMORE.”

Charcoal Class

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charcoal class 001Saturday was the charcoal drawing workshop at Studio Place Arts in Barre taught by Gabriel Tempesta. Check out his website: http://www.gabrieltempesta.com  Beautiful work–so detailed–all drawn and painted with charcoal. I especially love the bumble bee series. We got to see them up close since they are in the SPA gallery. SWEET! It’s amazing that he can get such incredible detail with charcoal.

He demonstrated some of his techniques using charcoal powder (now there’s a mess waiting to happen!) and scratching into it with pointy things and spraying with water which creates magical effects. Quite fascinating. I’d like to experiment more with it but I usually work on my dining room table and I think it’s too messy a process for that room. I don’t want it to look like I’ve been mining coal in there. Maybe I’ll set up a table in the basement. But away from the ironing board and clean laundry…

There were many talented, experienced artists in that class which was humbling to say the least but in a good way. It’s a treat to watch people at work who are confident. Bold. People who are FEARLESS. I wanna get me some o’ THAT! My drawing was a bit pale and timid alongside theirs but once I got it home, it stopped slouching and stood proud so I thought, Yeah, I could post that.

Red Thready Lamp

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scan0094Never mind those little plug-in night lights. THIS is a NIGHT LIGHT. It’s about ten inches tall and has a beautiful red glow (much prettier than this picture) which illuminates the guest room just enough for you to find a light. And I think it’s such a warm welcome. A little spot of glow in a dark room. So cozy. I’ve found most of mine at thrift stores–which surprises me–why are people getting rid of these? Oh right, different people, different decor styles. Well, it’s my gain. But seriously, we are going to need more electrical outlets…I’ll have to see my guy about that. Right, Honey?

Medallion Necklace

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scan0092This gorgeous piece was handmade by Susan Torchia. I think I’ve mentioned taking a jewelry class she taught. She makes jewelry from an array of found objects: old vintage jewelry bits and pieces, wire, glass and wooden beads, sometimes leather, driftwood, feathers, yarn, various metals, etc. They are all so original and wonderful. This one is a big piece of shell about 3 inches wide which she covered with some silk or rayon fabric. Then the vintage metal daisy brooch with rhinestones and pearls, copper wire, and a curvy bit of copper mesh. Oh and the back is covered with a piece of soft brown suede from her “grammy’s” stash.  I would call this a “statement” necklace. This and a veiled hat and you are set to go!

Beaded Palm Lamp

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scan0090At a friend’s suggestion, I’m back to drawing my lamps. There are SO MANY. My kids make fun of me and “the lamp thing.” For example there are NINE in my living room right now. Eleven if you count the two little decorative type with 5 watt bulbs. And it’s a small room. But the thing is, sometimes you want a good reading light and sometimes just a soft amber glow. Right? Doesn’t everyone want those choices? I do. I don’t like bright, harsh lights. Ambient lighting is so soothing and restful. Seriously, it will improve your quality of life. You will love being in your cozy living room. And it will love you.

Green Veil

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scan0078That camel necklace was fun to paint so I’m excited to draw more jewelry but I don’t have time right now. Busy weeks. If I were organized, and made schedules, and had extensive lists like someone I’m married to, I could probably fit that in. But I’m not. It is a future possibility though; I could change. It could happen. Anyway, here is another in the veiled hat series from about 2 weeks ago. Let’s call her Lori Jean.

Enamel Camel Necklace

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scan0089A while ago, back when I was sketching the camels, I started this drawing. But I got frustrated and gave up before even starting on the stone and ceramic beads. I figured I’d get back to it another day. Today is THAT day. This time I enjoyed it. And I kind of like it unfinished this way to show the progression of the art work. Hmm…The green stone beads on the right look better than the ones with all the pen marks. Rats. I keep doing that. Can’t leave well enough alone. Anyway, I found this nifty pendant at an antique shop hanging on a plain ol’ ugly chain. I thought he deserved something fancier so I put together this double strand which I think suits him much better. He’s about two inches wide and two inches high. Enamel on brass. So colorful and exotic! I’m keeping an eye out for more of his kind.